Sat Apr 05 05:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Crumbles in Hamilton as New Zealand Takes Unassailable ODI Lead

**Hamilton, New Zealand –** New Zealand secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their ODI series against Pakistan with an emphatic 84-run victory at Seddon Park on Wednesday. A career-best 99 not out from Mitch Hay, coupled with a strong bowling performance, proved too much for the struggling Pakistan side.

Chasing a challenging 293, Pakistan’s innings collapsed early. Captain Babar Azam’s dismissal for just one run off three balls, caught at slip off Jacob Duffy, sparked immediate outrage on social media, with fans heavily criticizing his performance. The early wickets of Abdullah Shafique (1) and Imam-ul-Haq further compounded Pakistan’s woes, leaving them reeling at 9-3 in the sixth over.

Ben Sears’s impressive 5-59 further dismantled the Pakistani batting order, leaving them struggling at 32-5 after 12 overs. While Faheem Ashraf (73) and Naseem Shah (51) offered late resistance with maiden ODI fifties, it was ultimately insufficient to prevent a comprehensive defeat, with Pakistan bowled out for 208 in the 42nd over.

Earlier, New Zealand’s innings had been anchored by Hay’s explosive batting, rescuing them from a mid-innings slump of 132-5. His 99, featuring seven fours and seven sixes, came off just 78 balls and included 22 runs from the final over. Sufyan Moqim was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with figures of 2-33.

The series concludes with the third ODI in Mount Maunganui on Friday. Pakistan will be looking for a strong response after their disappointing performance in Hamilton, while New Zealand will aim to complete a clean sweep.

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