New Zealand clinched a dominant 2-0 series victory over Pakistan with a resounding 84-run win, powered by Mitchell Hay’s unbeaten 99 and a sensational five-wicket haul from Ben Sears. Despite a valiant effort from Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah, New Zealand’s pace attack dismantled the visitors with precision and aggression.
Hay’s Masterclass Sets the Stage
Under overcast skies in Hamilton, Pakistan’s skipper Mohammad Rizwan opted to field first, hoping to exploit the green pitch. However, New Zealand’s opening duo, Rhys Mariu and Nick Kelly, took full advantage of Pakistan’s erratic start. Despite early wayward bowling, including eight wides in the first four overs, the Kiwi openers raced to a 50-run partnership within six overs.
Haris Rauf provided Pakistan with their breakthrough, angling one in to dismiss Kelly via an inside edge. Babar Azam followed up with a sharp catch to send Mariu back for 18. At 97/2 in the 15th over, New Zealand looked steady, but Sufiyan Muqeem turned the tide with a mesmerizing spell of spin bowling. He outfoxed Daryl Mitchell in the air, leading to a stumping, and Akif Javed trapped Henry Nicholls LBW, halting New Zealand’s momentum.
A steady partnership between Hay and Muhammad Abbas rescued the innings, adding 77 crucial runs. Abbas, known for his aggressive stroke play, played a more measured knock, while Hay unleashed his power against Pakistan’s quicks. Despite Muqeem’s impressive 2-33, Pakistan’s pacers struggled to maintain pressure, allowing New Zealand to push past 200 with ten overs to spare.
The final overs saw Hay take full control, hammering 49 runs off Wasim’s last three overs, including 22 in the final over. Though he fell agonizingly short of a century, his knock propelled New Zealand to a formidable 292.
Pakistan’s Top Order Crumbles Under Kiwi Pace Attack
Chasing 293, Pakistan needed a strong start but found themselves in disarray early on. Will O’Rourke and Jacob Duffy made immediate inroads, with Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, and Imam-ul-Haq all falling cheaply to edges behind the wicket. At 9/3, Pakistan’s hopes of a comeback faded quickly.
Sears joined the attack and wreaked havoc, removing Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha in quick succession. With half the side dismissed for just 32 runs inside 12 overs, the contest was all but over. Faheem Ashraf fought back with a gritty 73 off 80, showing resilience against New Zealand’s relentless short-ball barrage.
Naseem Shah’s Late Resistance in Vain
Pakistan suffered more setbacks as Rauf was struck on the helmet by a rising O’Rourke delivery, failing a concussion test and walking off. Akif Javed also took a blow before edging to slip for Duffy’s third wicket.
Naseem Shah, coming in as a concussion substitute, played a fearless knock, smashing a career-best 50 off 40 balls, including a stunning six over cover. His 60-run stand with Ashraf provided temporary resistance, but Sears returned to claim the final wickets, wrapping up Pakistan’s innings for 208.
New Zealand’s Bowling Excellence Seals the Series
Sears finished with remarkable figures, his five-wicket haul highlighting the contrast between New Zealand’s disciplined pace attack and Pakistan’s inconsistent bowling. The emphatic win underlined New Zealand’s superiority, completing a comprehensive 2-0 series triumph.
With dominant performances from both bat and ball, New Zealand showcased their depth and tactical edge, while Pakistan will look to regroup and address their recurring struggles ahead of their next series.