Jobaaj Stories
Mitchell Hay's Near-Century: A Rare ODI Feat
New Zealand's Mitchell Hay made headlines after a breathtaking performance in the second ODI against Pakistan on April 2nd, 2025. The young wicketkeeper-batter narrowly missed his maiden ODI century, remaining unbeaten on 99 runs, a remarkably rare achievement in the world of cricket.
A Historic Knock
Hay's 99* off just 78 deliveries is only the third instance of a wicketkeeper remaining unbeaten on 99 in ODI history, and the first in over a decade! This incredible performance follows in the footsteps of Zimbabwe's Andy Flower (1999) and UAE's Swapnil Patil (2014). For New Zealand, Hay is only the second batter after Bruce Edgar (1981) to achieve this feat. His innings included seven fours and seven sixes, a display of both power and precision. His exhilarating final over, scoring 22 runs, left the crowd breathless, only to see him fall just one run short of the magical century. It's a performance sure to be remembered for years to come.
The Match Context
New Zealand, having already won the first ODI by 73 runs, started strongly with a new opening partnership. However, Pakistan's bowlers, Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Wasim Jr., put the brakes on New Zealand's progress in the middle overs. Yet Hay's late onslaught, along with a crucial partnership with Muhammad Abbas (41), steered New Zealand to a competitive 292/8. This ensured a strong platform for the Blackcaps to defend in the second innings, despite the earlier struggles.
Hay's Journey
Playing only his sixth ODI, Hay has rapidly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His previous best score was only 49. His unbeaten 99 not only showcases his exceptional talent but also reflects his ability to perform under pressure. His mature comments after the match reveal a player with a clear head and a sound cricketing strategy.
Looking Ahead
With New Zealand holding a 1-0 lead in the series, the final ODI at Mount Maunganui on April 5th promises to be another exciting clash. While Hay may have missed out on his century, his near-miss performance will undoubtedly motivate him and inspire others. Will he finally achieve his maiden ODI century in the decisive match?
