New Zealand Clinch ODI Series Against Pakistan with 84-Run Win

New Zealand secured a convincing 84-run victory over Pakistan in the second ODI, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Mitchell Hay scored 99 not out, while Ben Sears took five wickets.

New Zealand secured a convincing 84-run victory over Pakistan in the second one-day international in Hamilton, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Mitchell Hay's blistering 99 not out and Ben Sears' five-wicket haul propelled the hosts to a dominant win.

Hay's explosive batting reignited New Zealand's innings after a mid-innings slump. The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed 22 runs in the final over, courtesy of two sixes and two fours, to finish with a career-best 99 not out off 78 balls. His late-innings fireworks guided New Zealand to a competitive 292-8, with Muhammad Abbas contributing 41. Despite promising starts from the top-order batsmen, none were able to convert their innings into significant scores.

Sears then took center stage, claiming five wickets to dismantle Pakistan's batting lineup and restrict them to 208. The 25-year-old's impressive bowling display ensured New Zealand's total proved insurmountable, sealing a comprehensive victory and the series win.

Pakistan's Batting Struggles in Windy Conditions

Pakistan's batting lineup faced significant challenges in the windy and overcast conditions, losing five wickets for just 32 runs. New Zealand's pace bowlers, Ben Sears (5-59), Jacob Duffy (3-35), and Will O'Rourke (1-19), expertly exploited the bounce on the wicket, making life difficult for the Pakistani batsmen.

Mitchell Hay lauds young New Zealand players after ODI series win against Pakistan

· Extending their dominance in white-ball cricket, New Zealand’s young squad sealed an emphatic 84-run victory over Pakistan in Hamilton on Wednesday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the… pic.twitter.com/pDqCP9XHhz

— IANS (@ians_india) April 2, 2025

Despite the struggles, Haris Rauf attempted to continue batting after being hit on the helmet by O'Rourke, but he eventually walked off for a concussion check. His replacement, Naseem Shah, partnered with Faheem Ashraf to frustrate the New Zealand bowlers, with Ashraf scoring 73 and Shah contributing 51. However, Sears ultimately broke the partnership, having Naseem caught behind to seal Pakistan's fate.

The victory marked New Zealand's second consecutive ODI win over Pakistan, following their 73-run triumph in Napier last Saturday. That win was fueled by Mark Chapman's 132 and Nathan Smith's 4-60. New Zealand also secured the preceding Twenty20 International series 4-1. The two teams will meet again in the final ODI on Saturday in Mount Maunganui.