New Zealand won in 2nd ODI against Pakistan as they were bowled out for 208 runs while pursuing the hosts’ target of 293 at Seddon Park on Wednesday.

With today’s victory, the Black Caps have secured a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match 50-over series.

The innings began poorly for Pakistan as Abdullah Shafique (1) fell early to O’Rourke, followed by quick dismissals of Imam-ul-Haq (3) and Babar Azam (1) by Jacob Duffy. With three wickets down quickly, Pakistan’s innings looked precarious. Things worsened as Mohammad Rizwan (5) and Salman Agha (9) also failed to make significant contributions.

Tayyab Tahir (13) tried to stabilize the innings, but the New Zealand bowlers maintained relentless pressure, preventing Pakistan from gaining any momentum in their chase.

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf, however, showcased his resilience with a superb half-century. As he lost partners rapidly—Mohammad Wasim Jr (1) and Akif Javed (8) fell to Ben Sears and Jacob Duffy, respectively—Pakistan found themselves in dire straits at 114-8.

Haris Rauf sustained a concussion after being hit on the head, requiring him to exit the match.

Naseem Shah replaced him as a concussion substitute and batted alongside Faheem.

The two managed to put together a crucial 50-run partnership for the ninth wicket, bringing Pakistan to 165-8 in 36 overs.

However, their 60-run collaboration ended when Ben Sears returned to dismiss Faheem, who fought valiantly for 73 runs off 80 balls. This left Pakistan struggling at 174-9 in 37.4 overs.

Despite the growing pressure, Naseem continued to battle, hitting boundaries with ease. He reached his first ODI fifty in just 41 balls, but Pakistan’s innings ultimately concluded at 208 in 41.2 overs.

Sears finished the match with a five-wicket haul, taking out Naseem for 51 and leaving Sufiyan Muqeem stranded on 13 not out.

Earlier, New Zealand’s innings started strong with a 50-run opening partnership between debutant Rhys Mariu and Nick Kelly.

However, Rauf struck in the 6th over, dismissing Kelly for 31 runs off 23 balls, leaving the Black Caps at 54-1.

Wasim Jr struck again in the 10th over, removing Mariu for 18, as New Zealand stumbled to 71-2. Daryl Mitchell managed 18 off 18 before falling to Sufiyan Muqeem, making it 100-3. Henry Nicholls was dismissed LBW for 22, reducing the hosts to 102-4 in 16.5 overs.

Captain Michael Bracewell and Muhammad Abbas added 30 runs before Wasim Jr took out Abbas (17), bringing New Zealand to 132-5.

Mitchell Hay and Abbas (41 off 66) then shared a crucial 77-run partnership before Muqeem dismissed Abbas, leaving New Zealand at 209-6.

Despite losing wickets, Hay reached his half-century. Faheem Ashraf removed Nathan Smith (8), making it 236-7, and Rizwan ran out Ben Sears for a duck (270-8).

Hay’s explosive performance in the final over propelled New Zealand to a total of 292.

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