PAKISTAN: New Zealand levelled the three-match series 1-1 against Pakistan with a 79-run win in the second ODI at Karachi. Devon Conway and Kane Williamson put on 181 runs for the second wicket for New Zealand, who lost a flurry of wickets at the end to fold at 261.
The Kiwi bowlers kept the Pakistani batters in check from the beginning. Except for Agha Salman, who scored 25 runs quickly, none of the Pakistani batters appeared to be at ease. Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan, but his 79 came off 114 deliveries as they were bowled out for 182.
New Zealand inning
Fresh off a five-wicket haul in the first ODI, Naseem Shah bagged the wicket of Finn Allen in the opening over, getting him to drive uppishly to cover where Nawaz held on to a sharp catch.
Devon Conway (101) registered his second ODI hundred and was involved in a 181-run partnership for the second wicket with Kane Williamson (85) before Pakistan hit back with quick wickets in the second ODI in Karachi.
Having gone wicketless for 29 runs off his first six overs, Mohammad Nawaz finished with 4 for 38 from his quota of 10. He helped Pakistan mount a strong comeback to restrict New Zealand, who were going strong at 183/1 at one stage but lost their way as they could add only 78 more to finish with 261.
Pakistan inning
Pakistan’s chase did not start on a bright note as the openers departed in successive overs. It was slow going for Pakistan in the first powerplay, despite Babar scoring a few boundaries, as they managed only 31 runs in the first 10 overs.
Babar reached his half-century in the 33rd over, getting there off 86 deliveries on a track that had some help for the slower bowlers.
Pakistan only had three wickets left and needed to score 96 runs in the last 10 overs, however, Babar was the only player of note for Pakistan.
But New Zealand ensured that Pakistan did not even come close, as Wasim was run out while Sodhi had Babar stumped and Haris Rauf caught at long-off to finish off the game in the 43rd over.
Babar was stumped in a dramatic fashion when Tom Latham waited for the right time to dislodge the bails after Babar slightly lost his balance. Babar’s back leg was in the crease, but he lifted it for a split second to regain his composure, and that was enough for Latham to light up the stumps.
Devon Convoy’s century inning earned him Player of the Match honours after helping his team tie the three-match series 1-1.
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