Hamilton, April 2, 2025: New Zealand took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series by defeating Pakistan by 84 runs in the second ODI at Seddon Park on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 293, Pakistan’s innings got off to a disastrous start as the top order crumbled under New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Abdullah Shafique (1 off 11) fell early to O’Rourke., Imam-ul-Haq (3 off 12) and Babar Azam (1 off 3) were dismissed cheaply by Jacob Duffy while Mohammad Rizwan (5 off 27) and Salman Agha (9 off 15) also failed to make an impact. Tayyab Tahir (13 off 29) tried to stabilize the innings, but relentless pressure from New Zealand’s bowlers ensured Pakistan never gained momentum.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf fought valiantly, scoring a brilliant 73 off 80 deliveries, but he kept losing partners. Mohammad Wasim Jr. (1 off 2) and Akif Javed (8 off 7) were dismissed, leaving Pakistan reeling at 114-8 in 28.2 overs.
A concussion injury to Haris Rauf led to Naseem Shah’s inclusion as a replacement. Naseem partnered with Faheem Ashraf in a crucial 60-run stand, keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive at 165-8 in 36 overs.
However, Ben Sears broke the partnership, dismissing Faheem for 73, leaving Pakistan at 174-9 in 37.4 overs. Naseem Shah continued to fight, scoring his maiden ODI fifty (51 off 44 balls), but Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 208 in 41.2 overs.
Ben Sears starred with a five-wicket haul, dismissing Naseem for 51 and leaving Sufiyan Muqeem stranded on 13 not out.
Earlier, New Zealand started strong with a 50-run opening stand between debutant Rhys Mariu and Nick Kelly before Haris Rauf dismissed Kelly (31 off 23) in the 6th over. Mohammad Wasim Jr. removed Mariu (18) in the 10th over, leaving New Zealand at 71-2 while Daryl Mitchell (18 off 18) was dismissed by Sufiyan Muqeem, making it 100-3. Henry Nicholls fell for 22 (LBW), reducing New Zealand to 102-4 in 16.5 overs.
Captain Michael Bracewell and Muhammad Abbas added 30 runs before Abbas (17) fell to Wasim Jr. Mitchell Hay and Abbas (41 off 66) then shared a vital 77-run stand before Muqeem removed Abbas at 209-6.
Despite losing partners, Hay reached his half-century, taking New Zealand to a competitive total. Faheem Ashraf dismissed Nathan Smith (8) at 236-7, and Rizwan ran out Ben Sears for a duck at 270-8. Hay’s late blitz in the final over propelled New Zealand to 292/8 in 50 overs.
Speaking during post-match presentation, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan said that we need to do something different. Admitting his side’s shortcomings, Mohammad Rizwan said, “It is sore, but it’s part of the game. We didn’t do well today. We didn’t utilize the swing effectively, and New Zealand bowled very well. Later on, Faheem and Naseem fought well for us. These are challenging conditions, but we can’t make excuses. We are professional cricketers, and we need to do something different.”
While praising the New Zealand’s bowlers, Rizwan said that the bowlers of New Zealand were very disciplined; they bowled the hard lengths. In the last couple of months, we’ve lost key moments. Today, we didn’t perform well with the ball or the bat in the first 10 overs.
Looking ahead to the third ODI in Tauranga, Rizwan said that we don’t know much about the pitch in Tauranga, but we’ll have to adapt.
Key performer of the Pakistan innings Faheem Ashraf said that we need to back each other.
Speaking at the post match press conference, Pakistan’s fast-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf emphasized the importance of team spirit after the defeat:
“Look, each and every one of us is trying to make the team win. In my opinion, when you focus only on your personal game, or if I come in, do my part, and step aside, that’s not how it works.”
He called for unity within the team:
“As a team, we need to back each other rather than just focusing on individual performances and then stepping aside.”
Despite the series loss, Faheem remained hopeful:
“As long as you are playing cricket, it is not difficult to win. Everyone is trying to go with the same mindset. It has also happened in the past. So, I say that is not that difficult, if you keep playing good cricket then you will definitely win.”
