New Zealand sealed their three-match ODI series against Pakistan with a commanding 84-run win in the second match on Wednesday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. The hosts dominated both with the bat and ball, thanks to Mitchell Hay’s unbeaten 99 and Ben Sears’ five-wicket haul.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a competitive 292-8, with Hay smashing 22 runs in the final over off Mohammad Wasim, including two sixes and two fours, to finish just short of a maiden international century. The 24-year-old’s career-best knock rescued New Zealand after a sluggish middle phase. Muhammad Abbas also contributed with a valuable 41-run knock, while the top order failed to capitalize on their starts.
Pakistan struggled in challenging conditions during their chase, collapsing to 32-5 as Sears (5-59), Jacob Duffy (3-35), and Will O’Rourke (1-19) extracted extra bounce from the wicket. Haris Rauf had to walk off after a concussion check following a blow to the helmet from O’Rourke. However, Naseem Shah (51) and Faheem Ashraf (73) provided some resistance with an 83-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Sears had the final say, dismissing Naseem caught behind as Pakistan was bowled out for 208 in 41.2 overs.
Clinical New Zealand Performance Secures Series
New Zealand had earlier won the opening ODI in Napier by 73 runs, powered by Mark Chapman’s 132 and Nathan Smith’s 4-60. The Black Caps also dominated the preceding T20I series, winning 4-1.
The final ODI will take place in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, with Pakistan looking to salvage a consolation victory.
Match Summary
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New Zealand: 292-8 in 50 overs (Mitchell Hay 99*, Muhammad Abbas 41, Sufyan Moqim 2-33, Mohammad Wasim 2-78)
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Pakistan: 208 all out in 41.2 overs (Faheem Ashraf 73, Naseem Shah 51, Ben Sears 5-59, Jacob Duffy 3-35)
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New Zealand won by 84 runs
