Cricket: New Zealand clinch ODI series against Pakistan

New Zealand defeated Pakistan for a sixth time in seven matches on Wednesday in Hamilton, winning by 84 runs to claim an unassailable 2-0 lead in their ODI series.

New recruit Mitchell Hay came devastatingly close to a maiden century as the Black Caps batted first and made 8/292, with the final ball of the innings going within inches of crossing the ropes to leave the 24-year-old stranded on 99 not out. 

Fresh faces Nick Kelly (31 from 23) and Muhammad Abbas (41 from 66) also made healthy contributions in what was a strangely compiled total from New Zealand.

The hosts looked to be in control after a fast start, but runs dried up throughout the middle overs with the spin of Sufiyan Muqeem (2/33) in particular suffocating the Kiwis.

However, as they have multiple times across their tour of New Zealand, Pakistan took their foot off the gas, and the Black Caps capitalised by taking 72 runs off the final six overs — 20 of which came in the final four balls.

This meant the home side were ahead in live cricket betting odds at the change of innings, having already been $1.70 favourites to win at BetOnline pre-match.

When the Kiwi pace attack ripped through Pakistan’s top order to leave them in tatters at 5/32, the hosts’ odds shortened even further.

Will O’Rourke and Jacob Duffy took the initial wickets after denying Pakistan cheap runs over the first five overs, reducing the visitors to 3/9 after 5.3 overs.

But it was Ben Sears (5/59) who continued the good work of New Zealand’s opening bowlers, with the 27-year-old claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.

Faheem Ashraf (73 from 80) and tailender Naseem Shah (51 from 44) were the only significant contributors for Pakistan with the bat, with Sears dismissing both.

“Just the way we fought through the innings, lost few wickets in the middle, but the way we built partnerships was brilliant,” New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell said after the match.

“Mitchell Hay played an outstanding innings. Partnership helped us get to a competitive total. 

“It is a testament to the team, we just allow them to express themselves. 

“There is no secret for what allows the new players to come in and perform straightaway. 

“For us it’s just about doing the simple things and will look to finish on a high.”

The Black Caps can complete an ODI whitewash of Pakistan when the two teams meet on Saturday in Mount Maunganui for the final match of the series.

New Zealand are once again favourites across cricket bookmakers, priced at $1.61 to win compared to Pakistan’s odds of $2.30.

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