New Zealand secures series with 84-run victory

Hamilton

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 84 runs in the second ODI at Seddon Park, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Mitchell Hay’s unbeaten 99 powered New Zealand to 292/8 in 50 overs. Pakistan, in reply, crumbled to 208 all out as New Zealand’s pacers dominated the game.

Pakistan won the toss and bowled first, but New Zealand’s openers Rhys Mariu and Nick Kelly provided a flying start. Despite early breakthroughs by Haris Rauf and Sufiyan Muqeem, Hay’s crucial 77-run partnership with Muhammad Abbas helped the hosts recover. Hay exploded in the final overs, smashing 49 runs off Mohammad Wasim Jr’s last three overs.

Muqeem was Pakistan’s most effective bowler with figures of 2/33, while Wasim Jr took 2/78.

Chasing 293, Pakistan suffered an early collapse as Jacob Duffy and Will O’Rourke removed Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, and Imam-ul-Haq within six overs. Ben Sears added to their troubles, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, leaving Pakistan struggling at 32/5.

Haris Rauf had to retire hurt after a rising delivery struck him, adding to Pakistan’s woes. However, Naseem Shah’s maiden ODI fifty (51) and Faheem Ashraf’s 73 provided some resistance with a 60-run partnership.

Sears finished with 5/59, while Duffy took 3/35. New Zealand’s clinical bowling sealed a dominant victory, ensuring a series win with one match remaining.