Wed Apr 02 01:40:00 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand’s Mitchell Hay Falls Just Short of Century in Thrilling ODI Finish
**Auckland, NZ** – New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Mitchell Hay narrowly missed a century, finishing on an unbeaten 99 in the second ODI against Pakistan. Hay’s electrifying innings, which included seven fours and seven sixes off 78 balls, saw him single-handedly propel New Zealand to a challenging 292/8.
Hay’s 99* is a remarkable feat, mirroring a similar achievement by Bruce Edgar, who also scored an unbeaten 99 for New Zealand in a One Day International back in 1981. Hay’s performance marks him as only the 16th batter globally to achieve this unique milestone. He smashed 22 runs in the final over, agonizingly close to reaching the coveted three figures. Had he hit a six off the final ball, he would have reached his century.
Despite Hay’s near-century, other notable contributions came from Mohammad Abbas, who scored 41 runs. For Pakistan, Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Sufiyan Muqeem each took two wickets, while Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf, and Aaqib Javed claimed one each. The match, a thrilling contest, saw New Zealand set a challenging total for Pakistan to chase in the second innings.
First Piper 