NZ vs PAK 2025, 2nd ODI: Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan fined for slow over-rate

Pakistan faced a dual blow against New Zealand during the second ODI of the ongoing series. Playing the game at Hamilton on Wednesday, April 02, Pakistan not only lost the match, but were also penalized by the ICC for maintaining a slow over-rate during the first innings, after they had opted to field first upon winning the toss. As a result, all players were fined five per cent of their respective match fees for this offence.

The team was one over short of target against the hosts and hence, Jeff Crowe of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the fine on the visitors. After the game, captain Mohammad Rizwan pleaded guilty to the offence, not requiring any further hearing procedures. The visitors are having a hard time finishing the overs within the stipulated time frame. This was the second instance where the team was found guilty to the offence. 

Earlier in the series, they were short by two overs short of the target in the first ODI as well. The upcoming third game will be crucial for the Men in Green skipper since he might get banned from future games. The Kiwis are leading the series, 2-0, after winning the first two games, and have eventually sealed the series as well.

Hay short of century, but enough for BlackCaps

In the second game, Mitchell Hay remained unbeaten on 99 runs but helped the team post a solid total on the board. Newcomers Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas had a good time with the bat too. The Kiwis scored 292 runs in the first innings after they were forced to bat first. 

When Pakistan came into bat, William O'Rourke drew the first blood and dismissed opener Abdullah Shafique in the third over. Soon after his dismissal, Jacob Duffy removed Babar Azam in the first ball of the fourth over.  The wickets kept tumbling, leaving Pakistan in dismay. At one point they were 65-6, but Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah rescued them, and somehow they reached 208 runs.

Ben Sears was magical with the ball, claiming a fifer. He was hit for boundaries and maximums, but kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Jacob Duffy also claimed three wickets. However, Hay won the Player of the Match award for his outstanding performance with the bat in the first innings.