Predicting New Zealand’s Playing XI for their second ODI against Pakistan

After taking a lead of 1-0 with a 73-run win in the first ODI, New Zealand will face Pakistan in the second ODI of the three-match series. Hamilton’s Seddon Park will host this game on Wednesday, April 2, at 3:30 AM (IST). The hosts will aim to win this game and take an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-match ODI series. 

The Blackcaps have been in a decent run of form in their last five games, including three of them in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. They are coming off three wins and two defeats in their last five ODIs. They will target winning this game and seal the ODI series to make the third and last ODI a dead rubber. 

The predicted playing XI of New Zealand for their second ODI against Pakistan:

Openers  

The opening pair of Will Young and Nick Kelly failed to produce a strong start in the first ODI against Pakistan as they could only stitch 8 runs for the first wicket. Still, the Kiwi team management is expected to bank on the Young-Kelly duo to open the innings in the second ODI as well. 

Will Young had been in brilliant run form with the bat in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which concluded earlier this month. He will be getting help from the 31-year-old Nick Kelly, who has a good experience of playing in the New Zealand domestic circuit. 

Middle-Order  

The middle order of the hosts is once again expected to start with Henry Nicholls at number three in the second ODI. He could score only 11 runs off 25 balls in the last game but the Southpaw is capable of making a strong comeback in the next game. 

Nicholls will be followed by the star in-form batter Mark Chapman at number four, who played a match-winning century knock in the first ODI, smashing 132 runs off just 111 balls, with 13 fours and six sixes. He also stitched a decisive 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket with the number five batter Daryl Mitchell, who also scored 76 runs off 84 balls, with 4 fours and four sixes. 

All-Rounders  

The all-rounder duo of skipper Michael Bracewell and last game’s ODI debutant Muhammad Abbas. Bracewell and Abbas scalped a wicket each with the ball in the second innings. Before that, Abbas also announced his sensational arrival in international cricket with a blistering half-century in the first innings. 

The Lahore-born Pakistan-origin young all-rounder smashed 52 runs off 26 balls, with three fours and three sixes. So, Bracewell and Abbas will be the perfect choices as all-rounders in the playing XI for New Zealand in the second game against Pakistan. 

Bowlers 

Having spin support from skipper Michael Bracewell and an extra medium pacer in Mohammad Abbas, the hosts might field the three out-and-out pacers in their core bowling attack for the second game against Pakistan. This trio is expected to include Nathan Smith, alongside Jacob Duffy and Will O’Rourke. 

Nathan Smith displayed brilliant bowling in the last game, scalping 4 wickets at 60 runs in his 8.1 overs. Besides him, Jacob Duffy also scalped 2 wickets and 57 runs in his 9 overs. Will O’Rourke bowled the most economical spell for New Zealand in the first ODI. He picked a wicket at just 38 runs in his entire 10 overs, including a maiden over to his name. 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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