In a thrilling encounter at Seddon Park, Hamilton, the second ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand was filled with unexpected twists and a notable rule interpretation that left fans buzzing. Pakistan, chasing a daunting target of 293, faced a significant setback early on but saw a surprising performance from a player who was initially benched.
After losing the first ODI by 73 runs, Pakistan made four changes to their lineup, including the absence of fast bowler Naseem Shah, who was ruled out due to a minor injury as confirmed by captain Mohammad Rizwan at the toss. "We have got changes, Naseem and Usman Khan have niggles. Four changes in all for us," Rizwan stated. The team brought in Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Sufiyan Muqeem to bolster their chances in this crucial match.
New Zealand batted first and set a competitive total of 292-8, with Mitchell Hay shining with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 99 off 78 balls. His innings included seven sixes and seven fours, showcasing a blend of aggression and finesse. Pakistan's bowlers, led by Haris Rauf, struggled to contain the runs, with Rauf himself taking a nasty blow to the helmet during the match.
In a dramatic turn of events during the 25th over, Rauf was declared retired hurt after the bouncer from New Zealand's Will O’Rourke struck him. Under the ICC's concussion substitute rule, Naseem Shah, who was not initially part of the playing XI, was allowed to replace Rauf and came in to bat at a critical juncture.
Despite being on the bench for most of the match, Naseem made a significant impact. Coming in at No. 10, he scored 51 runs off 44 balls, including four fours and four sixes, providing a glimmer of hope for Pakistan amidst a top-order collapse. His innings was remarkable not only for its timing but also for the fact that he became only the second No. 11 batsman in ODI history to score a half-century, following in the footsteps of Pakistan's own Mohammad Amir.
While Naseem's performance was commendable, it was not enough to save Pakistan from defeat. Faheem Ashraf also contributed significantly with 73 runs from 80 balls, but the team ultimately crumbled to 208 all out, handing New Zealand an 84-run victory and securing the series with a game to spare.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand's batting lineup had a solid start, with Nick Kelly contributing 31 runs and Muhammad Abbas adding 41. However, the middle order faltered, and it was Hay's late innings that propelled the team to a competitive total. Pakistan's bowlers, including Akif Javed and Mohammad Wasim Jr., struggled to maintain pressure, leading to a series of partnerships that allowed New Zealand to recover from early setbacks.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Pakistan's decision seemed sound given the conditions, but the execution fell short. The team found themselves in deep trouble during their chase, reduced to a shocking 32-5 by the 12th over. The batting collapse was a stark contrast to their earlier performance in the first ODI, where they had shown promise before falling apart.
As the series heads into its final match, Pakistan will be looking to regroup and avoid a whitewash. Captain Rizwan and his team will need to address the batting issues that have plagued them in both ODIs, while also hoping for a swift recovery for their injured players.
The final ODI promises to be a crucial encounter for Pakistan, who will aim to build on the resilience shown by their lower order, particularly in the form of Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf. With the series on the line, fans will be eager to see how Pakistan responds to this setback and whether they can turn the tide against a confident New Zealand side.
