NZ vs PAK 2nd ODI: New Zealand (NZ) defeated Pakistan (PAK) by 84 runs in the second NZ vs PAK ODI in Hamilton on April 2 (Wednesday). With this victory, the hosts clinched the three-match series with an unassailable lead of 2-0. After winning the five-match T20I series against Pakistan with a commanding 4-1 margin, New Zealand carried their momentum into the ODIs as well, securing a comprehensive 73-run win in the series opener and then a 84-run win in the recently-concluded match as well.
An unbeaten 99 from Mitchell Hay, coupled with a devastating display of fast bowling, propelled New Zealand to a commanding victory.
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Under overcast conditions in Hamilton, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bowl first. Hay's 99 and contributions from Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly took hosts' total to 292-8 in 50 overs.
Despite Spirited Fights From Ashraf & Naseem, Pakistan Lose By 84 Runs
Chasing 293 to keep the series alive, Pakistan's hopes crumbled early as they lost half their side for just 32 runs within 12 overs, turning the match into a one-sided affair. While Faheem Ashraf (73) and Naseem Shah (51) inspired some hope for the tourists, they could only manage 208-10 in 41.2 overs, losing the contest by 84 runs.
'We Shouldn't Make Excuses': Rizwan
Rizwan, after losing the series, rued the team's missed opportunity with the bat and ball both but noted that they shouldn't 'make excuses' as professional cricketers.
"We didn't do well as a batting group...didn't utilize the swing...Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah fought really well. It's little bit challenging conditions; the pace and bounce, different from Asian conditions but we shouldn't make excuses as professional cricketers and apply ourselves," PAK captain Rizwan said after the defeat.