Who Is Mitchell Hay? The 23-Year-Old Wicket-Keeper Who Crushed Pakistan With A 99*

Mitchell Hay smashed 99* vs Pakistan [Source: @DSBcricket/x.com]

If you didn’t know who Mitchell Hay was before Wednesday’s ODI in Hamilton, you surely do now. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Christchurch came out swinging like a seasoned pro and left Pakistan reeling.

His unbeaten 99 off just 78 balls wasn’t just a match-winning knock, it was a career-launcher. And what a way it was to introduce yourself on the big stage.

Let’s take a closer look at Mitchell Hay who is just getting started but already turning heads in BlackCaps colours.

Who Is Mitchell Hay?

Mitchell Hay hails from Christchurch and came up the ranks playing for Burnside West Christchurch University CC. A product of Christchurch Boys' High School, Hay was already making his name in school tournaments like the Gillette Cup before donning Canterbury colours.

He made his List A debut back in December 2020, followed by T20 and first-class appearances. But 2024 was the real turning point. He trained with the Chennai Super Kings academy and later earned his national call-up in both ODIs and T20Is.

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Setting The Scene On Fire in Hamilton

During the recent NZ vs PAK 2nd ODI, Hay came in with the Kiwis in a spot of bother at 132/5 but he didn’t flinch. He counter-punched. Seven fours, seven sixes and a staggering 22-run final over against Mohammad Wasim Jr took NZ to 292/8.

His last-ball four brought him agonizingly close to a maiden ton, finishing on 99 not out. Still, he entered elite territory, becoming only the 16th player to remain unbeaten on 99 in ODI history and the second Kiwi to do so. The hosts eventually won the match by 84 runs and clinched the series 2-0.

Record-Breaking Behind The Stumps Too

Mitchell Hay isn’t just a big-hitter, he is also deadly behind the stumps. In just his second T20I match against Sri Lanka, Hay set a world record with six dismissals in a single innings. He has already notched up 24 dismissals in 10 T20Is.

Mitchell Hay Stats Across Formats

What’s Next for the New Star?

With New Zealand having sealed the ODI series 2-0, Hay's stock is skyrocketing. The way he has been batting, the BlackCaps might have just found their next long-term wicketkeeper-batter. Safe hands, clean strikes and a calm head, heis ticking all the boxes.

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