Twitter Reactions: New Zealand seal series despite Pakistan’s lower-order fightback in 2nd ODI

Twitter Reactions – New Zealand seal series despite Pakistan’s lower-order fightback in 2nd ODI (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Hosts New Zealand (NZ) claimed the three-match ODI series against Pakistan (PAK) after a convincing win in the second match at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Pakistan’s performance was another disappointment, and they faced another heavy defeat with one game to go.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to field, putting New Zealand into bat. The visitors had the Kiwis on the back foot for a while, as the hosts were struggling at 132-5 at one stage. Fortunately for the Black Caps, the duo of Muhammad Abbas and Mitchell Hay ensured that New Zealand reached a competitive total in the end.

Pakistan’s struggles continued with the bat in the second innings, where none of the top or middle-order batters looked threatening against the Kiwi bowlers. The Green Shirts lost seven wickets for just 72 runs, with the pacers creating havoc by taking wickets at regular intervals. However, Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah tried to keep the match alive for Pakistan, putting on a 60-run stand for the ninth wicket. Unfortunately, it was too much to ask from the team in the end, as New Zealand claimed the series with an 84-run victory. Ben Sears also secured a five-wicket haul by the end of the game.

Youngsters Rescue Kiwis While Pakistan’s Lower Order Shows Resistance

Seddon Park proved to be a challenging venue for batters on both sides, with senior players like skipper Michael Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell failing to get going. While they struggled, it was the young stars, Mitchell Hay and Muhammad Abbas, who came to New Zealand’s rescue. Hay played the innings of a lifetime, falling just one run short of his century. His unbeaten 99 off 78 deliveries proved invaluable, along with a handy cameo from Abbas, who scored 41 off 66 balls. Hay was also named the Player of the Match.

Though it was another disappointing game for Pakistan, they will be pleased that they were saved from absolute embarrassment by lower middle-order batter Faheem Ashraf (73 off 80 deliveries) and concussion substitute Naseem Shah (51 off 44 deliveries). Their half-centuries provided some resistance, but in the end, it proved to be too much for them.

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