New Zealand Clinches ODI Series Win Against Pakistan with Back-to-Back Victories
New Zealand clinched the ODI series against Pakistan with a commanding 84-run victory in the second match held at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on April 2, 2025.
Match Summary:
New Zealand Innings: 292/8 in 50 overs
Pakistan Innings: 208 all out in 41.2 overs
Result: New Zealand won by 84 runs
Key Performances:
Mitchell Hay (NZ): Unbeaten 99 runs
Ben Sears (NZ): 5 wickets for 59 runs
Faheem Ashraf (PAK): 73 runs
Naseem Shah (PAK): 35 runs
Sufiyan Muqeem (PAK): 2 wickets for 33 runs
Match Highlights
After being put in to bat under overcast conditions, New Zealand’s innings was anchored by Mitchell Hay’s stellar performance. Despite falling just one run short of his maiden ODI century, Hay’s unbeaten 99 was instrumental in propelling the team to a competitive total of 292/8. His innings was particularly aggressive during the death overs, where he targeted Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Mohammad Wasim, accumulating 49 runs in the final three overs.
Pakistan’s chase faltered early, with the top order collapsing to 32/5 within the first 12 overs. Ben Sears led New Zealand’s bowling attack with a remarkable five-wicket haul, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup. Despite a resilient 73 from Faheem Ashraf and a supporting 35 from Naseem Shah, Pakistan was bowled out for 208 in 41.2 overs, falling short by 84 runs.
Turning Point
The early breakthroughs by New Zealand’s pacers, particularly Ben Sears, who claimed key wickets during the powerplay, set the tone for Pakistan’s innings and left them struggling at 32/5, a deficit from which they could not recover.
Post-Match Reflections
Mitchell Hay was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. Reflecting on his innings, Hay mentioned that reaching a century wasn’t his primary focus; instead, he aimed to build a substantial partnership to strengthen the team’s position.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, New Zealand secures the series with a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The teams will meet again for the final ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on April 5, 2025, where Pakistan will aim to salvage a consolation win.
