NZ vs PAK Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 2nd ODI match between New Zealand and Pakistan?

New Zealand (NZ) will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series when they take on Pakistan (PAK) in the second ODI on Wednesday, April 2, at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

After losing the five-match T20I series 1-4, Pakistan suffered a 73-run defeat in the first ODI in Napier last week. Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to field first at McLean Park. Naseem Shah drew first blood by picking up the wicket of Will Young in the third over. Akif Javed dismissed Nick Kelly and Henry Nicholls as the home side slumped to 50/3 inside the 13th over.

However, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell orchestrated a remarkable fightback for the Kiwis. They added 199 runs off just 174 balls to take New Zealand to a position of strength. Chapman brought up his third century in ODI cricket during the exhilarating partnership. However, Mitchell could not get to a three-figure score as Irfan Khan dismissed him for 76. After Chapman lost his wicket for a 111-ball 134, debutant Muhammad Abbas took the onus upon himself to help the Blackcaps finish strongly in the death overs.

Abbas smashed 52 off just 26 balls, even as New Zealand lost wickets from the other end. They eventually finished on 344/9 in their 50 overs. Irfan Khan took three wickets for Pakistan, but he went for 51 runs in his five overs.

In reply, Pakistan got off to a fine start as openers Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique added 83 runs inside the first 13 overs. However, they were dismissed in quick succession. Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha scored fighting half-centuries, while Rizwan failed to convert his solid start. The lower-order came a cropper as Pakistan were bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs.

In an unfortunate turn of events, Chapman has been ruled out of the rest of the series after suffering a grade-one tear to his hamstring while fielding in the first ODI. He has been replaced by Tim Seifert, who won the Player of the Series award in the T20I leg of the tour. The wicketkeeper-batter last played an ODI for New Zealand in January 2019.

NZ vs PAK Match Details

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Head-To-Head Record

Matches Played	120
Won by Pakistan	61
Won by New Zealand	55
Tied	1
No Result	3
First-ever Fixture	February 11, 1973
Most-recent Fixture	March 29, 2025

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NZ vs PAK Predicted Playing 11

New Zealand: Will Young, Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls, Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell (C), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Will O'Rourke.

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Agha Salman Ali, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali.

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Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Daryl Mitchell

Daryl Mitchell looked in sublime touch in the first match. After a dismal outing in the T20Is, the experienced right-handed batter has got the boost of confidence he needed. He will look to continue from where he left off in the first ODI.

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Probable Best Bowler: Will O’Rourke

Will O'Rourke was the joint most economical bowler in the first ODI alongside Haris Rauf. The tall Kiwi pacer bowled accurately and did not give away easy runs. He took the massive wicket of a set Babar Azam, who was threatening to take the game away from the hosts.

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Today's Match Prediction: New Zealand to win the match

Scenario 1

• New Zealand win the toss and opt to bat first
• Powerplay: 55-65
• NZ: 310-330
• New Zealand win the match

Scenario 2

• Pakistan win the toss and opt to bat first
• Powerplay: 45-55
• PAK: 280-300
• New Zealand win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.