Wed Apr 02 08:00:00 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Thrashes Pakistan by 84 Runs, Takes Unassailable Lead in ODI Series
**Hamilton, New Zealand:** New Zealand secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against Pakistan after a dominant 84-run victory in the second match on Wednesday. A stunning unbeaten 99 from wicketkeeper-batsman Mitchell (Mitch) Bracewell, supported by a five-wicket haul from Ben Sears, powered New Zealand to victory.
New Zealand, batting first, posted a challenging 292/8, largely thanks to Bracewell’s career-best innings. His explosive 78-ball knock included seven sixes and seven fours, narrowly missing a century. He scored 22 runs in the final over alone. Other notable contributions came from Mohammad Abbas (41) and Nick Kelly (31).
Pakistan’s chase faltered spectacularly. Their top five batsmen failed to reach double figures, with seven wickets falling for just 93 runs. Only Faheem Ashraf (73) and Naseem Shah (51) offered any resistance, adding a crucial 60-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Tahir (13) and Sufiyan (13*) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures. Sears finished with impressive figures of 5/59, while Jacob Duffy chipped in with 3 wickets.
The match also saw a concerning moment when Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan was struck twice on the body by Will O’Rourke’s bouncers in the first six overs. Later, Haris Rauf was hit on the helmet and retired hurt due to concussion, with Naseem Shah replacing him.
Bracewell’s 99 is noteworthy; he becomes the first New Zealand wicketkeeper to reach 99* in an ODI and only the third wicketkeeper-batsman overall to achieve the feat. He is also only the second New Zealander and the 16th cricketer worldwide to score 99* in an ODI while keeping wickets.
The final ODI will be played in Mount Maunganui on Saturday.
First Piper 