• Pakistan's hopes of leveling the series were dashed as New Zealand clinched an emphatic 84-run victory in the second ODI at Hamilton.

  • Despite a valiant effort from Faheem Ashraf, Pakistan’s batting collapse handed the hosts a comprehensive win

Fans react as Faheem Ashraf’s gritty knock for Pakistan falls short in New Zealand’s series-clinching win in 2nd ODI
NZ vs PAK (Image Source: X)

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Pakistan’s hopes of leveling the three-match ODI series were dashed as New Zealand secured an emphatic 84-run victory in the second ODI at Hamilton, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. The match saw Pakistan struggle early in their chase of 293, losing wickets in quick succession. Despite a valiant effort from Faheem Ashraf and a late flourish from Naseem Shah, Pakistan’s batting collapse handed the hosts a comprehensive win. Mitchell Hay starred for New Zealand with a match-winning all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 99 and taking four catches, earning him the Player of the Match award.

New Zealand’s steady batting display led by Mitchell Hay

Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a competitive 292/8 in 50 overs. The innings was anchored by wicketkeeper-batter Hay, who played a sublime knock of 99 not out off 78 balls, hitting seven fours and seven sixes. Contributions from Muhammad Abbas (41 off 66) and Nick Kelly (31 off 23) provided stability after early setbacks. Pakistan’s bowlers had their moments, with Sufyan Muqeem (2/33) being the most economical, while Mohammad Wasim (2/78) and Haris Rauf (1/75) struggled with consistency. Extras proved costly for Pakistan, as they conceded 32 runs, including 20 wides, allowing New Zealand to build a strong total.

Also READ: Pakistan star Naseem Shah fires back at personal jibes from former cricketers

Pakistan’s collapse overshadows late resistance

Chasing 293, Pakistan’s top order crumbled under pressure, losing half their side for just 32 runs inside 12 overs. Imam-ul-Haq (3), Babar Azam (1) and Mohammad Rizwan (5) fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble. Ashraf emerged as the lone warrior, scoring a resilient 73 off 80 balls with six fours and three sixes, while Naseem added an entertaining 51 off 44 balls. However, their efforts were not enough, as Ben Sears ran through Pakistan’s lower order, taking 5/59. With wickets falling at regular intervals, Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 208 in 41.2 overs, handing New Zealand a comfortable victory.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman pick toughest bowlers they have faced in international cricket

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