Sat Apr 05 05:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Crumbles in Second ODI Against New Zealand: Babar Azam’s Struggle Continues
**Wellington, NZ** – Pakistan’s hopes of winning the second ODI against New Zealand were dashed in a catastrophic batting collapse, leaving them reeling at 97/7 at the halfway point of their chase of 293. The collapse was largely attributed to a devastating spell of pace bowling from the Kiwis, which saw Pakistan lose their top five batsmen for a paltry 32 runs within 11.4 overs.
The most significant blow came early, with former captain Babar Azam dismissed for just one run in the fourth over. The dismissal, caused by a superb delivery from Jacob Duffy (135.1 kph) which swung away sharply, further highlighted Babar’s ongoing struggles with the bat. His failure to account for the movement resulted in a faint edge to second slip, sending shockwaves through the Pakistan team.
Other top-order batsmen also struggled, with Tayyab Tahir scoring 13 and Mohammad Wasim Jr. managing only 1 run. The Kiwi bowlers exploited the pitch conditions effectively, leaving Pakistan’s batting line-up in disarray.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand had posted a challenging 292/8 thanks to a stunning 99 not out from Mitchell Hay, who blasted seven sixes and seven fours in his 78-ball innings. Sufiyan Muqeem (2/33) and Mohammad Wasim Jr. (2/xx) were the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by the team’s batting collapse.
Pakistan’s performance leaves them in a precarious position, with Babar Azam’s continued struggles raising serious concerns about the team’s batting order and their prospects in the series.
First Piper 