Pakistan cricket team has arrived in Hamilton from Napier to play the second ODI against New Zealand as part of their ongoing tour.
The team is scheduled to participate in a practice session tomorrow at 10 am local time.
The much-anticipated second ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to take place on April 2 in Hamilton. After a competitive first match, both teams are gearing up for another thrilling encounter.
The team management is focused on refining strategies ahead of the crucial fixture.
Pakistan lost the first ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand by 73 runs.
Chasing a daunting 345-run target, Pakistan faltered under the pressure of New Zealand’s pace attack, folding for 271 in 44.1 overs.
Pakistan’s chase began on a promising note as debutant Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique put together a brisk 83-run opening stand.
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Both batters looked aggressive, setting a solid platform before Nathan Smith broke the partnership in the 13th over, removing Usman for 39. Skipper Michael Bracewell then dismissed Abdullah for 36 in the 16th over, reducing Pakistan to 88-2.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to rebuild with a 76-run partnership, keeping hopes alive. However, debutant Muhammad Abbas struck in the 29th over to dismiss Rizwan for 30, leaving Pakistan at 164-3.
Babar, showing his trademark composure, anchored the innings with Salman Ali Agha in an 89-run stand.
The former captain reached his 36th ODI fifty, scoring a fluent 78, but his dismissal in the 39th over to Will O’Rourke tilted the momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favor.
Pakistan’s collapse began soon after as Tayyab Tahir was run out in the 40th over, followed by a golden duck for Irfan Khan Niazi.
Smith then returned to clean up the tail, dismissing Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf in the 43rd over.
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