Wed Apr 02 06:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Unsold IPL Player Takes Five Wickets, Leads New Zealand to ODI Victory
**Hamilton, New Zealand:** Ben Sears, the New Zealand medium-pacer who went unsold in the IPL 2024 mega auction despite a base price of ₹1 crore, has dramatically boosted his profile. He took a stunning five-wicket haul in New Zealand’s second ODI against Pakistan on April 2nd, leading his team to an emphatic 84-run victory and a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Sears’ exceptional performance bowled out Pakistan for 208 runs in 41.2 overs. While Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf top-scored with 73 runs and shared a 60-run partnership with Naseem Shah (51 runs) – both players achieving their maiden ODI half-centuries – they were ultimately no match for Sears’ devastating spell. Jacob Duffy also contributed significantly with three wickets.
Earlier, New Zealand had posted a challenging 292/8, with Mitchell Henry narrowly missing out on a century (99 not out). New Zealand’s victory follows their 73-run win in the first ODI in Napier. The third and final ODI will be played in Mount Maunganui on Saturday. The series highlights the stark contrast between Sears’ IPL snub and his recent success on the international stage.
First Piper 