Pakistan take early wickets against New Zealand in must-win second ODI

At the 33-over mark in the second ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan at Hamilton, the hosts find themselves at 162/5 after being forced to bat first by Pakistan. Pakistan’s bowlers have kept the scoring rate under control despite New Zealand’s aggressive start. Nick Kelly was the most fluent among the top-order batters, smashing 31 off 23 balls with four boundaries and two sixes before falling to Haris Rauf. Rhys Mariu (18) and Henry Nicholls (22) got starts but failed to convert, as Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack struck at regular intervals. Daryl Mitchell (18) and captain Michael Bracewell (17) also departed without making a significant impact, with Mohammad Wasim leading the attack with figures of 2/26 in six overs.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Pakistan Cricket (@therealpcb) Sufiyan Muqeem’s left-arm spin has been particularly economical, conceding just 15 runs in his seven-over spell while dismissing Mitchell. Akif Javed and Haris Rauf chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring New Zealand never fully capitalized on their powerplay momentum.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Pakistan Cricket (@therealpcb) Currently, Muhammad Abbas (20*) and wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay (10*) are at the crease, looking to rebuild the innings. With 20 overs still to go, New Zealand will aim for a strong finish, but Pakistan, having applied pressure in the middle overs, will be keen to strike early and restrict the hosts to a below-par total.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Pakistan Cricket (@therealpcb) Pakistan won the toss and opt to field first in the second ODI against New Zealand.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Pakistan Cricket (@therealpcb)   Playing XI: Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Akif Javed. New Zealand: Rhys Mariu, Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke.

from Cricket news | Latest Cricket Updates | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/0CbU6Rv