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**New Zealand Crush Pakistan to Seal ODI Series Behind Hay's Heroics**
**Hamilton, April 2, 2025** – Mitchell Hay’s explosive 99* off just 78 balls propelled New Zealand to a commanding 84-run victory over Pakistan in the second ODI at Seddon Park, clinching the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead.
### **Match Highlights**
- **Hay’s Rescue Act**: The wicketkeeper-batter arrived at 132/5 and unleashed a brutal counterattack, smashing seven fours and seven sixes—including 22 runs off Mohammad Wasim in the final over—to lift NZ to 292/8.
- **Pakistan’s Top-Order Collapse**: Will O’Rourke (1/25) and Jacob Duffy (2/28) ripped through Pakistan’s lineup, reducing them to 9/3 inside six overs. Babar Azam (1) and Imam-ul-Haq (5) fell cheaply.
- **Brief Resistance**: Fakhar Zaman (50) and Iftikhar Ahmed (38) staged a partial recovery, but spinners Ish Sodhi (3/33) and Michael Bracewell (2/30) wrapped up Pakistan for 208 in 41.4 overs.
### **Key Moments**
- Hay’s near-century (99*)—his career-best—rescued NZ from a mid-innings slump.
- Pakistan’s chase never recovered after losing three wickets in the powerplay.
- New Zealand’s bowlers dominated, with all six frontline bowlers taking wickets.
### **What’s Next?**
The third ODI (dead rubber) will be played on April 5, with Pakistan seeking consolation after a dismal tour.
**Stat Alert**: This marks Pakistan’s fifth straight ODI loss in New Zealand. Trending News.update .fresh .
