New Zealand seal ODI series as Ben Sears takes five and Pakistan collapse

New Zealand complete dominant series win

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 84 runs in the second ODI, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The result leaves the hosts chasing a clean sweep and Pakistan playing for pride in the final match at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on 5 April.

New Zealand’s victory was built on a strong finish with the bat and a relentless performance from their pace attack. Mitchell Hay was named Player of the Match after striking an unbeaten 99, while Muhammad Abbas contributed a valuable 41. Their efforts helped New Zealand post a formidable total close to 300 after contributions from across the batting order.

Sears delivers decisive spell

Pakistan never settled in the chase as New Zealand’s bowlers exploited the overcast conditions and the extra bounce. Will O'Rourke made the first breakthrough before Jacob Duffy removed key batters, including Babar Azam. Ben Sears then changed the game, taking two wickets in his opening over and finishing with a maiden ODI five-wicket haul.

Sears completed the win when Naseem Shah edged a short-of-a-length delivery through to wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay. The dismissal ended Pakistan’s innings and confirmed New Zealand’s 84-run victory.

Pakistan’s late fight comes too late

Pakistan’s batting problems were exposed during the chase, with eight batters failing to reach double figures. Several players were hit by the short ball, while Haris Rauf retired hurt after suffering a concussion.

Faheem Ashraf offered the main resistance with a composed 73 from 80 balls. Concussion substitute Naseem Shah then produced an impressive half-century, but the lower-order partnership arrived too late to threaten New Zealand’s total. Naseem reached 50 with a boundary before Sears ended the innings.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged that his side had failed to apply themselves in difficult conditions. He said the team had “lost the key moments” and repeated mistakes made in the previous match. New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell praised Hay’s innings and Sears’ performance, while saying his team wanted to finish the series strongly.

New Zealand eye a clean sweep

The hosts have now won both games in convincing fashion and will attempt to complete a 3-0 series victory in Mount Maunganui. Pakistan must regroup quickly after another batting collapse and a difficult day against New Zealand’s pace attack.