Hamilton, Apr 2 (UNI) Wicketkeeper-batsman Mitchell Hay played a scintillating unbeaten knock of 99 off 78 balls as New Zealand secured a commanding 84-run victory over Pakistan in the second One Day International (ODI) of the ongoing series at Seddon Park here Wednesday.
Hay, who fell just short of a maiden international century, anchored the innings with an array of attacking strokes. His innings was laced with seven sixes and as many fours, including a maximum off Mohammad Wasim to reach his half-century and a faint edge past the keeper for his final boundary in the last over. Supported by Muhammad Abbas (41), Henry Nicholls (22), and Michael Bracewell (17), New Zealand posted a formidable 292 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled for control, with Wasim (2/78) and Haris Rauf (1/75) proving expensive despite picking up key wickets. Faheem Ashraf (1/46) and Sufiyan Muqeem (2/33) bowled with more discipline, with Muqeem dismissing Abbas after luring him into a mistimed pull straight to deep mid-wicket.