New Zealand Beats Pakistan by 84 Runs in Second ODI, Takes Dominant Series Lead

Hamilton:New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 84 runs in the second match of the three-match One Day International (ODI) series, gaining a crucial 2-0 lead in the series. The match was played at the Sedon Park in Hamilton.

New Zealand posted a total of 292 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hey hit a blistering 99 not out off 78 balls, which included 7 sixes and 7 fours, leading the way for the Kiwis.

In response, Pakistan could only manage 208 runs before being all-out, falling short of the target by 84 runs. Fahim Ashraf top-scored with 73 runs, while Naseem Shah contributed with a solid 51 runs. Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit the conditions.

New Zealand’s openers provided a strong start, adding 54 runs before the first wicket fell in the sixth over. Nick Kelly was dismissed for 31 runs by Haris Rauf. In the 10th over, Rhys Mariu was also dismissed for 18 runs by Wasim Junior, leaving New Zealand at 71/2.

Following this, Darrell Mitchell and Henry Nicholls contributed 18 and 22 runs respectively, but both were dismissed, and New Zealand was 102 for 4 in the 17th over.

Kiwi captain Michael Bracewell and Mohammad Abbas combined for a 30-run partnership before Bracewell was dismissed for 17 runs by Mohammad Wasim Junior. Despite the fall of wickets, Mitchell Hey continued his aggressive play, and alongside Mohammad Abbas, they added 77 runs for the sixth wicket.

Mitchell Hey, maintaining his attacking approach, scored 24 runs in the final over, and New Zealand ended their innings with 292 runs for 8 wickets.

Pakistan’s bowlers, including Mohammad Wasim Junior and Sufiyan Maqeem, both took two wickets, while Fahim Ashraf, Aqib Javed, and Haris Rauf claimed one wicket each. One New Zealand batsman was run out.

For this match, Pakistan made four changes to their playing XI. The team consisted of Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Fahim Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Maqeem, and Aqib Javed. Players such as Usman Khan, Mohammad Ali, Irfan Khan Niazi, and Naseem Shah were excluded from the playing XI.

On the other hand, New Zealand was missing key batter Mark Chapman, who was sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

With this victory, New Zealand has now secured a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.