New Zealand beat Pakistan by 84 runs in the second ODI of the three-match series on Wednesday, April 2 at Seddon Park, Hamilton. After being put in to bat first, New Zealand posted 292/8 in their allotted 50 overs, riding on a splendid innings from Mitchell Hay, who missed out on his maiden ODI hundred, remaining unbeaten on 99.
In reply, Pakistan were bundled out for 208 in 41.2 overs as Faheem Ashraf emerged the top scorer for the visitors. Ben Sears registered his best bowling figures as he took a five-wicket haul to help his team take an unassailable lead in the series.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a miserable start as the New Zealand seamers were breathing fire with the new ball. They lost opener Abdullah Shafique (1 off 11) early, who edged William ORourke to first slip. Two overs later, Pakistan suffered a major blow as Babar Azam also edged one to second slip against Jacob Duffy (3/35).
Wickets continued to tumble for Pakistan as the Kiwi seamers were seen at their hostile best giving batters repeated blows. Imam ul Haq (3 off 12), Salman Agha (9 off 15) and Mohammad Rizwan (5 off 27) all departed cheaply, leaving Pakistan reeling at 32/5 in 11.4 overs.
Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah’s fightback
Faheem Ashraf walked in at number seven and came out with a positive approach, looking for runs. He brought up his half-century off 53 deliveries, smashing a six against Ben Sears. However, there was still no support for him with the batting lineup faltering in front of the Kiwis.
Pakistan were reduced to 114/8 in 28.2 overs when Naseem Shah walked in as a concussion substitute for Haris Rauf, who got retired hurt after being hit on his helmet. Naseem also came out with a positive approach and added 61 runs for the ninth wicket with Faheem off 56 balls to re-ignite some hopes in the Pakistan camp.
However, Sears once again came to his team’s rescue, making Faheem edge to wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay. He was dismissed for a well-made 73 (80) as both teams waited for the inevitable to happen. Following his dismissal, Naseem continued to swing his bat around and brought up his maiden ODI fifty off 41 deliveries as he took Pakistan past the 200-run mark.
He was dismissed shortly after for 51 (44) as Pakistan got all out for 208. As a result, Pakistan missed the opportunity to make a comeback in the series as New Zealand took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Mitchell Hay’s fireworks propels New Zealand to 292
Earlier in the day, New Zealand got off to a flying start as openers Nick Kelly (31 off 23) and Rhys Mariu (18 off 25) added 54 runs for the first wicket off 38 balls. Their stand was finally broken by Mohammad Wasim Jr. (2/78). After getting their first wicket, Pakistan continued to get wickets at regular intervals as they were reduced to 132/5 in 26.3 overs.
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With half the team in the pavilion, Muhammad Abbas (41 off 66) and Mitchell Hay (99 off 78) stabilized the innings and got involved in a 77-run stand off 80 balls. Abbas missed out on his half-century as he fell prey to Sufiyan Muqeem (2/33). However, Hay continued to build on his innings and brought up his half century off 61 balls. Playing just his sixth ODI game, he showed great maturity and helped his team finish well propelling them to 292/8 in 50 overs.
Hay remained unbeaten on 99* scoring a boundary on the last ball of the innings.He was deservedly adjudged Player of the Match in his team’s win. Meanwhile, having already lost the series, Pakistan will be desperate to avoid a whitewash in the third ODI on Saturday, April 5 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
 and Ben Sears (5/59) guided the hosts to a comprehensive win.){kind=link}