New Zealand continued their dominance over Pakistan in the second One-Day International (ODI) at Seddon Park in Hamilton, clinching the series with an 84-run victory. The Black Caps, who had already taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, showcased their strength once again, despite missing key player Mark Chapman due to injury.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 292 runs, thanks to an outstanding performance from Mitchell Hay, who scored an unbeaten 99 runs off just 78 balls. His innings included seven sixes and as many fours, demonstrating his ability to accelerate the scoring in the latter half of the innings. Muhammad Abbas also contributed significantly with a solid 41 runs, helping to stabilize the innings after a few early wickets.
On the bowling front, Ben Sears was the star for New Zealand, claiming an impressive five-wicket haul, which played a crucial role in dismantling Pakistan's batting lineup. Sears' performance highlighted the depth and talent within the New Zealand squad, which has been a hallmark of their recent successes.
Pakistan, chasing a target of 293 runs, faced a disastrous start as they collapsed to 32 for 5 within just 11.4 overs. The top order crumbled under pressure, with Babar Azam, the team's captain and star batsman, falling for just 1 run off 4 balls. His dismissal came at a critical juncture, as he was expected to anchor the innings. Jacob Duffy, who bowled a brilliant spell, was responsible for Babar's wicket, delivering a back-of-a-length delivery that moved sharply away, resulting in a faint edge caught by Henry Nicholls at slip.
As Pakistan struggled to recover, Tayyab Tahir was dismissed for 13, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. managed only 1 run, leaving the team reeling at 97 for 7 at the halfway mark of their innings. The situation looked bleak for the visitors, with their batting woes continuing to plague them throughout the match.
Despite the dire circumstances, Faheem Ashraf emerged as a lone bright spot for Pakistan, scoring a commendable 73 runs off 80 balls. His efforts, however, were not enough to turn the tide, as the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide adequate support. Concussion substitute Naseem Shah also made a noteworthy contribution with a half-century, but it was too little too late for the struggling side.
New Zealand's bowlers, particularly Sears and Duffy, utilized the overcast conditions effectively, maintaining pressure on the Pakistani batsmen throughout the innings. Will O'Rourke set the tone early with a breakthrough, while Sears capitalized on the pressure, striking twice in his first over. The Pakistani batting order was unable to cope with the extra bounce and movement generated by the Kiwi pacers, leading to their downfall.
In the end, Pakistan was bowled out for 208 runs in 41.2 overs, handing New Zealand a comfortable victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The match marked a significant low point for Pakistan, who now face the challenge of regrouping ahead of the final ODI on April 5, 2025, at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
Post-match, Mitchell Hay, named Player of the Match, reflected on his innings, stating, "Scoring a century didn’t cross my mind at all. I was just focused on building a partnership with Abbas and taking the game deep." Hay's performance not only contributed to the team's success but also showcased the depth in New Zealand's batting lineup.
Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Rizwan, acknowledged the disappointing performance, noting, "Loss is a part of the game. Our bowlers did well, but we failed to apply ourselves with the bat. We need to learn from these mistakes and come back stronger in the next match." His sentiments echoed the frustrations felt by fans and analysts alike as Pakistan continues to struggle against the Kiwis.
As the teams prepare for the final match of the series, all eyes will be on Pakistan to see if they can bounce back and salvage some pride after two disappointing outings. The upcoming clash promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to make their mark.
