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PAK vs NZ Highlights: Mitch Hay's Heroics And Sears Masterclass Sink Pakistan In 2nd ODI

Soumyajit Dutta

New Zealand wins [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X]New Zealand wins [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X]

Pakistan and their horror show with the batting continued as New Zealand sealed the three-match ODI series after bagging the 2nd game by a margin of 84 runs. While the tail enders from Pakistan showed resistance and delayed Kiwis' victory, it was too late for the Men in Green to make a comeback into the game while chasing a mammoth total.

Let's take a look at how things panned out at Seddon Park between Pakistan and New Zealand:

Pakistan's Fiery Start Rattles New Zealand Before Middle-Order Resurgence

Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a spirited start in the second ODI against New Zealand, putting the hosts under pressure with early wickets. The breakthrough came in the seventh over when Haris Rauf dismissed Nick Kelly. Akif Javed then struck in the 10th over, removing Rhys Mariu for 18, as Pakistan tightened their grip.

New Zealand’s struggles continued when Daryl Mitchell, looking to accelerate, attempted an aggressive stroke against Sufiyan Muqeem but ended up stumped for 18. At 100/3, the visitors sensed an opportunity to take full control of the match. Just an over later, Henry Nicholls fell leg-before to Akif Javed for 22, reducing the Black Caps to 102/4 in 16.5 overs.

Mitchell Hay Heroics, Steer New Zealand To Competitive Total

After Pakistan rocked New Zealand early with four wickets inside 17 overs, Mitchell Hay and Muhammad Abbas played crucial roles in steadying the innings and leading the recovery. At 102/4 following Henry Nicholls’ dismissal, the Black Caps were in danger of a collapse, but the duo absorbed the pressure and built a much-needed partnership.

Michael Bracewell joined Abbas at the crease, but his stay was brief, as he fell for 17 in the 27th over. At 132/5, Pakistan looked to tighten their grip further, but Abbas and Hay frustrated the visitors with a composed 77-run stand. 

Duffy, Sears Tear Into Pakistan's Top Order

New Zealand's pace duo, Jacob Duffy and Ben Sears wreaked havoc on Pakistan's top order, leaving the visitors reeling at 32/5 within 11.4 overs. William O'Rourke set the tone early by dismissing Abdullah Shafique for just one run. 

Duffy then joined the attack, striking twice in quick succession to remove Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam (1) and Imam-ul-Haq (3), both falling cheaply as Pakistan slumped to 9/3 within the first six overs.

Sears piled on the pressure by removing Agha Salman (9) and skipper Mohammad Rizwan (5), who struggled to get going and eventually edged one behind to wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay. By the end of 11.4 overs, Pakistan had lost half their side for just 32 runs.

Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah's Late Fight Back Fall Short Against New Zealand

Pakistan’s chase of 293 in the second ODI against New Zealand looked all but over at 93/8, but an inspired effort from Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah briefly reignited hopes of an improbable comeback.

Faheem Ashraf led the charge with a counterattacking 73 off 80 balls, laced with six fours and three sixes. He stitched together a crucial 60-run stand with Naseem, who played a fearless knock of 51 off just 44 deliveries, striking four boundaries and four sixes. Their efforts frustrated the New Zealand bowlers, as Pakistan edged past 200.

However, the resistance ended in the 42nd over when Ben Sears dismissed Naseem, sealing the match for New Zealand with an 84-run win.