Jobaaj Stories
New Zealand's Hay Misses Century But Steals the Show Against Pakistan
In a thrilling second ODI clash on April 2nd, 2025, New Zealand's Mitchell Hay narrowly missed a maiden ODI century, scoring an unbeaten 99 runs, a remarkably rare feat for a wicketkeeper. This electrifying performance propelled New Zealand to victory against Pakistan, leaving fans and commentators buzzing.
A Near-Century Masterclass
Hay's 99* off 78 deliveries, a knock studded with seven fours and seven sixes, is only the third instance of a wicketkeeper remaining unbeaten on 99 in ODI history, following Andy Flower (Zimbabwe, 1999) and Swapnil Patil (UAE, 2014). For New Zealand, it’s a feat achieved only once before, by Bruce Edgar in 1981. His explosive final over, yielding 22 runs, showcased his power-hitting prowess and left the crowd breathless, although ultimately one run shy of the century mark.
Match Context and Team Performances
Following New Zealand's 73-run win in the first ODI, the second match saw a strong start from the Black Caps with a new opening partnership. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Wasim Jr., stemmed the flow of runs in the middle overs. Hay's late blitz, combined with a crucial 41-run partnership with Muhammad Abbas, pushed New Zealand to a competitive 292/8. This total proved too much for Pakistan, whose batting lineup crumbled under New Zealand's bowling attack, resulting in a decisive New Zealand win.
Hay's Meteoric Rise
In only his sixth ODI, Hay has cemented his status as a rising star. His previous best was 49, demonstrating his remarkable improvement and ability to perform under immense pressure. His mature post-match comments further highlighted his composure and strategic awareness.
Babar Azam's Struggles and Social Media Reaction
Pakistan's star batsman, Babar Azam, continued his poor form, scoring only 1 run. This sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans expressing both disappointment and humor regarding his continued struggles.
Looking Ahead to the Final ODI
With New Zealand holding a commanding 2-0 lead, the final ODI on April 5th at Mount Maunganui promises further excitement. While Hay might rue the missed century, his performance will surely fuel his ambition for his maiden ODI ton in the upcoming match.
