Pakistan was bowled out for 208, handing New Zealand an 84-run victory
New Zealand Clinches Series with 84-Run Victory Over Pakistan in Second ODI. New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 84 runs in the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead.
New Zealand, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted a total of 292 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 50 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Healy played a stellar knock, remaining unbeaten on 99 from 78 balls, which included seven sixes and as many fours. Alongside Healy, Nick Kelly contributed 31 runs, and Mohammad Abbas added 41 runs to the total.
For Pakistan, pacers Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Sufiyan Maqeem claimed two wickets each, while Faheem Ashraf, Aaqib Javed, and Haris Rauf took one wicket each.
In response, Pakistan’s chase faltered early. The openers, Abdullah Shafiq and Imam-ul-Haq, were dismissed cheaply, and the middle order struggled to build partnerships. Shafiq fell for just one run, Babar Azam followed him soon after for a single, and Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for three.
At 31 for 4, Pakistan was in deep trouble, with Salman Ali Agha (9), Mohammad Rizwan (5), and Tayyab Tahir (13) all failing to contribute significantly. Haris Rauf was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the head, with Naseem Shah replacing him at the crease.
The wickets kept falling as Pakistan reached 72 for 7. A solid 73 from Faheem Ashraf gave Pakistan some hope, but it was not enough. Pakistan’s last hope, Naseem Shah, made a valiant 51 before being dismissed in the 42nd over.
Ultimately, Pakistan was bowled out for 208, handing New Zealand an 84-run victory and a 2-0 lead in the series. The final ODI will be played on April 5.
