In a commanding display of cricket, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 84 runs in the second ODI match held at Seddon Park in Hamilton, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. This victory continues New Zealand's impressive form, leaving Pakistan to grapple with their ongoing struggles.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 292 runs, with rising star Mitchell Hay leading the charge. Hay's outstanding innings of 99 runs off 78 balls included a remarkable 7 fours and 7 sixes, showcasing his talent and potential as a key player for the future. He fell just short of his maiden ODI century, but his performance set a solid foundation for the team's total.
Pakistan's response, however, was far from ideal. The team faced an abysmal start, with opener Abdullah Shafiq dismissed for just 1 run after being bowled by Will O'Rourke in the third over. The situation worsened as captain Babar Azam fell for a mere 1 run, followed by Imam-ul-Haq who managed only 3 runs before being dismissed by Jacob Duffy. By the end of the 12th over, Pakistan found themselves in dire straits at 32 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.
Despite the bleak outlook, Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah attempted to stabilize the innings. Ashraf played valiantly, scoring 73 runs off 80 balls, featuring 6 fours and 3 sixes. His efforts were commendable, but they were not enough to lift the team to victory. Naseem Shah, batting at number 10, also made a notable contribution, scoring 51 runs from 44 balls, which included 4 fours and 4 sixes. This marked Naseem's first ODI fifty, a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing match for Pakistan.
The partnership between Ashraf and Naseem was crucial, as they added 60 runs for the ninth wicket, pushing Pakistan past the 200-run mark, which seemed a distant target at one point. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain as Pakistan was ultimately bowled out for 208 runs in just 41.2 overs.
New Zealand's bowling attack was led by Ben Sears, who claimed a remarkable 5 wickets for 59 runs in his 9.2 overs, dismantling Pakistan's middle order. Jacob Duffy also played a vital role, taking 3 wickets for just 35 runs, effectively crippling Pakistan's batting lineup.
This defeat marks the fifth consecutive ODI loss for Pakistan, following their disappointing performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy and a series of defeats in the preceding T20I series against New Zealand. The team now finds itself in a critical situation, needing to win the third and final ODI to avoid a series whitewash.
As the series progresses, the pressure mounts on Pakistan to regroup and deliver a more competitive performance. The third ODI will be crucial, not only for pride but also for restoring confidence within the squad.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to maintain their momentum and secure a clean sweep in the series. With their batting and bowling clicking into gear, they seem poised to continue their dominance over Pakistan.
In conclusion, this match served as a stark reminder of Pakistan's current struggles and the need for a turnaround in their fortunes. The cricketing world will be watching closely as both teams prepare for the final clash of the series.
