Tag: New Zealand

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: The Pakistan cricket team hit the ground running on Friday here at Bay Oval with their training session for the third ODI against New Zealand, set to be played on April 5.

The Green Shirts arrived in Mount Maunganui on Thursday, gearing up for the third and final ODI of the series against New Zealand. After a much-needed day of rest, the squad hit the nets today for an intense practice session.

However, persistent rain forced the team to move their training indoors at Bay Oval. Under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff, the players focused on refining their batting, bowling, and overall fitness through specialized drills.

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It’s worth noting that Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand has been anything but smooth. After a 4-1 drubbing in the T20I series, the Men in Green carried their poor form into the ODIs, losing the opener by 73 runs before conceding the series with an 84-run defeat in the second match earlier today.

With New Zealand already securing the series, the final ODI has been reduced to a dead rubber. Yet, for Pakistan, the match holds significance as an opportunity to salvage some pride after a tough tour.

Pakistan squad for ODI series against New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, and Usman Khan.

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HAMILTON: Pakistan pace bowler Naseem Shah etched his name in the record books with his gutsy batting performance during the second ODI against New Zealand here at Seddon Park on Wednesday.

Despite Pakistan’s batting struggles, Naseem provided a rare spark, scoring his maiden ODI half-century and becoming the second-highest run-scorer from the No. 11 position in ODI history.

However, his efforts weren’t enough to save Pakistan from a thumping 84-run defeat, which handed New Zealand an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing 293, Pakistan crumbled to 208 all out, with only Faheem Ashraf (73 off 80) and Naseem (51 off 44) offering resistance.

The duo stitched a crucial 60-run stand for the ninth wicket, briefly giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope.

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Naseem, who was initially rested due to a minor niggle, was brought in as a concussion substitute for Haris Rauf. His fearless knock, featuring four fours and four sixes, showcased his clean hitting under pressure.

His 51-run effort now stands as the second-highest individual score by a No. 11 batter in ODI history, behind only Mohammad Amir’s 58 against England in 2016.

Notably, the top three highest scores from this position all belong to Pakistani players, with Shoaib Akhtar’s 43 against England in 2003 rounding out the list.

With Pakistan already trailing 2-0 in the series, they now face the daunting task of avoiding a clean sweep in the final ODI, scheduled in Mount Maunganui on April 5.

Pakistan squad for ODI series against New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, and Usman Khan.

READ: Haris Rauf, Salman Ali Agha rise in ICC ODI Rankings despite Pakistan’s struggles

DUBAI: Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha have made notable gains in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Rankings, released on Wednesday, despite the team’s ongoing struggles in the white-ball series against New Zealand.

Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand has been anything but smooth. After a 4-1 drubbing in the T20I series, the Men in Green carried their poor form into the ODIs, losing the opener by 73 runs before conceding the series with an 84-run defeat in the second match earlier today.

However, the updated ODI rankings—calculated before today’s game—brought some individual positives.

Haris Rauf, who impressed with figures of 2-38 in the first ODI, jumped nine places to secure the 16th spot in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings with 578 rating points.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan’s premier pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is absent from the ODI squad, slipped two places and dropped out of the top 10. He now sits at 11th with 613 points.

On the batting charts, Salman Ali Agha’s gritty 58-run knock in the series opener helped him climb six spots, placing him in joint 37th alongside New Zealand’s Tom Latham.

However, it wasn’t all good news for Pakistan’s batters. Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan lost two and one spot, respectively, and are now positioned at 20th and 21st in the rankings.

Babar Azam, though, remains Pakistan’s highest-ranked batter, holding firm at the second spot in the ICC ODI Batting Rankings.

With Pakistan already trailing 2-0 in the series, they now face the daunting task of avoiding a clean sweep in the final ODI against a dominant New Zealand side.

READ: Rizwan reflects on Pakistan’s defeat in second ODI against New Zealand

HAMILTON: Ben Sears ran through the batting lineup of Pakistan with a sensational five-wicket haul as New Zealand secured an emphatic 84-run victory in the second ODI at Seddon Park on Wednesday, sealing the three-match series 2-0 with one game to spare.

Chasing a target of 293, Pakistan’s innings never really got going as they collapsed to 208 all out in 41.2 overs.

The chase started in disastrous fashion, with the visitors losing three wickets inside the first six overs, reduced to 9-3. The situation worsened as captain Mohammad Rizwan (5) and vice-captain Salman Agha (9) fell in quick succession, leaving Pakistan reeling at 32-5.

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf provided some resistance at No. 7, adding 33 runs with Tayyab Tahir (13), but the wickets kept tumbling as New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their grip. Pakistan were staring down the barrel at 114-8 in the 28th over.

Amidst the collapse, an unfortunate injury saw Haris Rauf suffer a concussion after being struck on the head, forcing his exit from the match.

Naseem Shah was brought in as a concussion substitute and, along with Faheem, stitched a crucial 60-run stand for the ninth wicket, giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope.

However, just when Pakistan seemed to be clawing their way back, Sears returned to break the stand, dismissing Faheem for a gritty 73 off 80 balls.

Naseem fought on, smashing his maiden ODI fifty off just 41 balls, but Sears wrapped up the innings by removing him for 51, leaving Pakistan all out for 208.

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Sears was the standout performer for the Blackcaps, finishing with figures of 5-41. Jacob Duffy chipped in with three wickets, while Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith took one apiece.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 292-8 in their 50 overs, thanks largely to an unbeaten 99-run masterclass from Mitchell Hay.

Openers Rhys Mariu and Nick Kelly got the hosts off to a solid start, putting up a 50-run partnership.

However, Haris Rauf provided the breakthrough, dismissing Kelly for 31. Mohammad Wasim Jr. struck in the 10th over, sending Mariu back for 18, reducing New Zealand to 71-2.

The hosts continued to lose wickets at regular intervals—Daryl Mitchell (18), Henry Nicholls (22), and captain Michael Bracewell (17) all got starts but failed to convert.

At 132-5, New Zealand were under pressure, but Muhammad Abbas (41 off 66) and Mitchell Hay steadied the innings with a crucial 77-run stand.

Even as wickets fell, Hay continued to attack, finishing just one run short of what would have been a well-deserved century. His unbeaten 99 off 78 balls, laced with seven fours and seven sixes, powered New Zealand to a competitive total.

For Pakistan, Wasim Jr. and Sufiyan Muqeem picked up two wickets each, while Faheem Ashraf, Akif Javed, and Haris Rauf claimed one apiece.

READ: Pakistan sanctioned for slow over-rate in first New Zealand ODI

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Tuesday, reprimanded the Pakistan men’s cricket team for maintaining a slow over-rate during the opening ODI of their three-match series against New Zealand.

According to the ICC, match referee Jeff Crowe from the Elite Panel imposed the sanction after Pakistan fell two overs short of the required target, even after considering time allowances.

Under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for each over their side fails to complete in the stipulated time.

Given that Pakistan were two overs behind, the team has been handed a 10 per cent match fee deduction.

Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, accepted the charges and penalties, eliminating the need for a formal hearing.

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It’s worth noting that after a disappointing 4-1 loss in the T20I series, Pakistan stumbled in the ODI opener as well, suffering a 73-run defeat.

New Zealand, batting first, posted a daunting total of 344, powered by Mark Chapman’s 132 and a rapid 24-ball fifty from debutant Muhammad Abbas.

In response, Pakistan made a strong start and reached 249-3 in the 39th over. However, a sudden collapse saw them crumble to 271 all out, missing out on what once seemed like a competitive chase.

The second ODI of the series is set to take place in Hamilton on Wednesday.

Pakistan Squad for Second ODI Against New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf.

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New Zealand suffered a major blow ahead of the second ODI against Pakistan as in-form middle-order batter Mark Chapman was ruled out of the upcoming match after sustaining a hamstring injury.

Chapman, who played a match-winning knock in the first ODI, suffered the injury while fielding in the second innings. Subsequent scans revealed a grade-one tear, forcing him to return to Auckland for rehabilitation.

However, the left-hander remains in contention for the third and final ODI scheduled to be played at Mount Maunganui on April 5.

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In his absence, New Zealand have called up wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert, who was in sublime form during the recently concluded five-match T20I series against Pakistan, amassing 249 runs at an impressive average of 62.

Head coach Gary Stead acknowledged the setback but was relieved that the injury wasn’t severe.

“It’s obviously disappointing news for Mark [Chapman] after a really special innings in the opening ODI in Napier,” Stead said.

“We’re thankful that the hamstring injury is only minor, so we’re hopeful that he will complete his rehabilitation in time for the final match of the summer in the Mount.”

New Zealand Squad for Second ODI Against Pakistan

Henry Nicholls, Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Michael Bracewell (c), Tim Seifert, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young.

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Pakistan kicked off the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on a disappointing note, as the visitors not only suffered a 73-run defeat but also set an unwanted record for conceding the most extras in an ODI innings.

Pakistan bowlers struggled with discipline throughout the first innings, conceding a staggering 43 extra runs—including wides and leg-byes. This figure ranks as the third-highest number of extras conceded by Pakistan in ODI history.

It’s worth noting that the record for the highest number of extras given away in ODI history is jointly held by West Indies and Scotland, conceding 59 runs each.

The record for the most extras by Pakistan in an ODI remains 47, given away against New Zealand in Manchester during the 1999 World Cup.

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The Men in Green also conceded 44 extras on two occasions—against Sri Lanka in Sharjah (1990) and against New Zealand in Dambulla (2003).

Despite notable performances from Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha with the bat, Pakistan failed to chase a daunting 345-run target, handing New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the series.

It’s worth noting that the second match is scheduled for April 2 in Hamilton, while the series will conclude with the final ODI in Mount Maunganui on April 5.

Pakistan squad for ODI series against New Zealand

Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, and Usman Khan.

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NAPIER: A commanding century from Mark Chapman, coupled with Nathan Smith’s four-wicket haul, powered New Zealand to a convincing 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI of the three-match series here at McLean Park on Saturday.

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.

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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Salman held on to his end for a well-fought 58 before falling prey to Jacob Duffy, while Smith dismissed Akif Javed to wrap things up, as Pakistan fell short by a significant margin.

Smith was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, finishing with 4-60 in 8.1 overs. Duffy took two wickets, while Bracewell, Abbas, and O’Rourke chipped in with one apiece.

Earlier, New Zealand, after being put into bat by Pakistan, suffered early blows. Debutant Akif Javed made an instant impact, dismissing Will Young for 1 in the third over before removing Nick Kelly (15) and Henry Nicholls (11), reducing the hosts to 50-3 in 12.4 overs.

However, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell then turned the tide, counterattacking with a crucial 100-run partnership. Chapman played the aggressor, reaching his second ODI century in the 38th over with a flurry of boundaries, smashing 11 fours and four sixes.

Mitchell played a supporting role with a well-crafted 76 before falling to Irfan Niazi. Their 199-run stand had already placed New Zealand in a commanding position by then.

Chapman’s career-best 132 powered the hosts towards a massive total before Haris Rauf and Niazi picked up late wickets to dent the lower order.

But a blistering 50 off just 24 balls from debutant Muhammad Abbas ensured New Zealand crossed the 300-run mark with ease.

Pakistan’s bowlers had their moments, with Niazi finishing as the most successful bowler (3-51), while Rauf and Akif Javed picked up two wickets each. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali grabbed one apiece.

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WELLINGTON: James Neesham claimed a five-wicket haul, while Tim Seifert played an unbeaten knock of 97 runs to help New Zealand thump Pakistan in the final match of the five-match T20I series here at Sky Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a paltry 129-run target, New Zealand successfully chased down the total in 10 overs after losing two wickets to win the series 4-1.

Seifert led New Zealand’s charge with the bat, smashing 97 runs from 38 balls, which featured ten sixes and six boundaries.

Seifert and Finn Allen (27) stitched a 93-run opening stand to put the home team in the driving seat before Sufiyan Muqeem provided Pakistan with the first breakthrough.

Sufiyan added another wicket to his tally as he removed Mark Chapman (3).

Daryl Mitchell (2*) joined Seifert, and they comfortably steered their side to a thumping eight-wicket victory.

New Zealand invited Pakistan to bat first after winning the toss, and Jacob Duffy drew first blood with the wicket of Hasan Nawaz (0) in the second over.

Ben Sears removed Mohammad Haris, who scored a scratchy 11 off 17, bringing Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha to the crease.

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Meanwhile, Duffy dismissed Omair Bin Yousuf (7) to leave the Green Shirts reeling at 25-3 inside the power play.

Salman remained unfazed on his end as he lost two more partners before vice-captain Shadab Khan joined him and added 54 runs for the sixth wicket.

James Neesham broke the budding stand with the wicket of Shadab, who scored 28 runs from 20 deliveries with the help of five boundaries.

New batter Jahandad Khan (1) also fell prey to Neesham in the same over, leaving Pakistan struggling at 108-7.

Salman top-scored for Pakistan with a 39-ball 51, laced with seven boundaries, including one six, before becoming Neesham’s fourth victim.

Sufiyan Muqeem was also snared in the same over by Neesham, who claimed his career-best bowling figures of 5-22.

Haris Rauf (6) remained unbeaten as Pakistan managed to reach 128-9 in their allocated 20 over against a dominant New Zealand attack.

Besides Neesham’s five-wicket haul, Duffy claimed two wickets for the Black Caps, while Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi each bagged one.

New Zealand XI: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke

Pakistan XI: Salman Ali Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Omair Bin Yousuf, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Ali

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Pace bowler Matt Henry has been officially ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against Pakistan, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Saturday.

Henry, who sustained the right-shoulder injury during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final win against South Africa, has also been managing an ongoing left knee issue.

Although initially included in the squad for the series, he will now focus on rehabilitation instead of playing the remaining matches.

Zakary Foulkes, who was initially selected for the first three matches, has been retained for the final two T20Is to replace Matt Henry.

The young pacer has shown glimpses of his potential, returning figures of 1 for 11 in three overs during the first T20I, followed by none for 32 in the second match.

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In another change, Kyle Jamieson has been omitted from the squad for the remaining matches.

The towering pacer was named Player of the Match in the first T20I after a stellar 3 for 8 performance but struggled in the third game, conceding 54 runs without taking a wicket, a match that saw Pakistan secure their first win of the series.

To bolster their pace attack, Will O’Rourke, who was initially part of the squad for only the first three games, has now been added to the squad for the final two matches in place of Jamieson.

New Zealand currently leads the five-match series 2-1 against Pakistan. The fourth T20I is set to take place on Sunday in Mount Maunganui, followed by the final match on Wednesday in Wellington.

New Zealand squad for the remainder of the T20I series against Pakistan

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mitchell Hay (wk), Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk), Mark Chapman, Zakary Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi.

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