New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Match, 2nd ODI: Kiwis Seal the Series with 84 Run Victory in Hamilton

New Zealand continued their dominance in the ongoing three-match ODI series against Pakistan, securing an impressive 84-run victory in the second ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on April 2, 2025. This victory has given the Kiwis an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with only the final match remaining. This thrilling match, part of the New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Match series, showcased the competitive spirit of both teams.

New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Match Highlights

Mitchell Hay and Ben Sears Shine

Overview of the New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Match

The star performer of the New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Match was Mitchell Hay, who remained unbeaten on 99 runs, leading New Zealand to a challenging total of 292/8. His impressive knock, supported by a solid 41 from Muhammad Abbas, helped the hosts put up a score that Pakistan could not chase down. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, New Zealand’s depth in batting came to the fore, with contributions spread across the order.

On the bowling front, Ben Sears was the standout, taking a sensational 5-wicket haul, dismissing key Pakistani players and leading the Kiwis to a dominant win. His brilliant performance helped New Zealand restrict Pakistan to just 208 runs in 41.2 overs.

Pakistan’s Struggle in the Chase

Pakistan’s chase was derailed early by the extra bounce generated by New Zealand’s pacers, with Will O’Rourke and Jacob Duffy creating early pressure. Duffy, in particular, played a vital role, picking up two wickets, including that of Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam. Despite some late resistance from Faheem Ashraf (73 off 80) and Naseem Shah (51 off 43), Pakistan’s batting failed to fire, with eight batters failing to reach double digits. The team struggled to cope with the bounce and accuracy of the Kiwi bowlers, with Haris Rauf even being forced to retire hurt due to a concussion.

Turning Point of the Match

The turning point came when Pakistan’s batsmen faltered under pressure. Sears’ breakthrough moments, including his dismissal of Naseem Shah in the 41st over, helped New Zealand seal the win. Naseem Shah, who had a commendable 50-run knock, could not find enough support at the other end, and the visitors were bowled out for 208.

Reaction from the Captains

New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell was pleased with the team’s all-round performance, especially from Mitchell Hay and the bowlers. He noted that despite their relatively inexperienced squad, the team continued to play with freedom, trusting in their domestic system and allowing players to express themselves. Bracewell emphasized that the team is keen to complete a clean sweep in the final match.

Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, acknowledged the loss but credited the bowlers for utilizing the conditions well. He also highlighted the late fight from Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah, but admitted that the team had failed to apply themselves during crucial moments of the match. Rizwan pointed out that Pakistan had repeated some of the mistakes from the first ODI, particularly losing key moments in the final overs of New Zealand’s innings.

Key Performances

• Mitchell Hay (NZ): 99* runs
• Ben Sears (NZ): 5/59
• Faheem Ashraf (PAK): 73 runs
• Naseem Shah (PAK): 51 runs

With this victory, New Zealand has firmly taken control of the series, and they will now be looking to complete a clean sweep when they face Pakistan in the third and final ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on April 5, 2025.

Looking Ahead

Pakistan will have to regroup and reflect on their performance if they are to salvage pride in the final match. With the series already decided, they will be looking to finish strong and give their fans something to cheer about. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be aiming to finish their campaign on a high and strengthen their position as one of the top teams in international cricket.

Stay tuned for more updates and live action from the third ODI!

To analyse the performance of Pakistan Cricket Team, also check Pakistan vs Zimbabwe Cricket Series 2024.