Pakistan endured a nightmare start to their chase in the second ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on April 2. Set a target of 293, they crumbled to 32/5 in just 11.4 overs, with former captain Babar Azam departing for a mere one run. His dismissal to Jacob Duffy’s sharp delivery compounded Pakistan’s early woes.
Duffy produced a back-of-a-length delivery outside off stump, extracting extra bounce and movement. Babar, looking to defend, only managed an edge, which Henry Nicholls safely grabbed at second slip. His wicket came just three balls after Abdullah Shafique’s exit, leaving Pakistan reeling at 7/2. From there, the Black Caps tightened their grip, making it an uphill task for the visitors.
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Earlier, New Zealand posted a formidable 292/8 in 50 overs, led by Mitchell Hay’s outstanding knock of 99* off 78 balls. His innings, laced with seven sixes and as many fours, propelled the hosts to a competitive total despite regular setbacks. None of the other Kiwi batters managed a big score, as Pakistan’s bowlers kept striking at crucial junctures.
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For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem was the pick of the bowlers, delivering a miserly spell of 2/33 in his 10 overs. However, his efforts weren’t enough to prevent New Zealand from dictating terms.
In response, Pakistan’s top-order collapse left them staring at a heavy defeat. The middle and lower order, however, showed some resistance. Faheem Ashraf played a counter-attacking knock of 73 off 80 balls, while Naseem Shah’s 51 off 44 deliveries added some respectability to the scoreline.
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At one stage, Pakistan were tottering at 114/8, seemingly on course for an embarrassing defeat. But Faheem and Naseem’s spirited stand ensured the margin wasn’t even worse.
Eventually, Pakistan folded for 208, handing New Zealand a dominant 84-run victory. With this win, the Kiwis sealed the series with one match still to go.
