Hamilton, April 4 – Pakistan’s hopes of clinching a third consecutive ODI series win in SENA countries came to a disappointing end on Thursday, as they slumped to an 84-run defeat against New Zealand in the second ODI. However, amidst the gloom, there was a silver lining in the form of young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who etched his name into the record books in unlikely fashion.
After New Zealand posted a strong total of 292 for 8, thanks to a balanced effort from their batting unit, the hosts looked set to cruise to victory when they reduced Pakistan to a precarious 72 for 7. A brief lower-order resistance delayed the inevitable, but the visitors were eventually bowled out for 208.
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The contest saw Pakistan struggle from the outset, losing early wickets in clusters. The situation worsened when pace spearhead Haris Rauf was struck on the helmet and retired hurt at 93 for 7. His concussion replacement, Naseem Shah, entered the fray at 114 for 8 and formed a fighting 60-run partnership with all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.
Faheem played a defiant knock, scoring 73 off 80 balls, but it was Naseem’s career-best 51 off just 44 deliveries that truly energized Pakistan’s otherwise disappointing innings. He narrowly missed out on breaking the record for the highest score by a No.11 in men’s ODIs, currently held by Mohammad Amir (58 vs England, 2016).
The standout moment, however, came when Sufiyan Muqeem, batting at No.12 as a result of the concussion substitution, finished unbeaten on 13 runs. With that, he became the highest scorer ever from the No.12 position in men’s ODI history — a position made possible in recent years due to new substitution rules introduced for concussion and COVID-19 protocols.
Muqeem surpassed the previous record held by Afghanistan’s Zahir Khan, who scored an unbeaten 4 against Bangladesh in 2023.
Despite the personal milestones, the loss means Pakistan are now 0-2 down in the three-match series. New Zealand, on the other hand, have already sealed the series and will look to complete a clean sweep in the final ODI.
With pride on the line, Pakistan will aim to bounce back in the third match, while New Zealand will be keen to continue their dominance and wrap up the series on a high.
