The Wicketkeeper batter Mitchell Hay has lauded the Blackcaps’ performance after their win in the second ODI of the Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025.
Extending their domination in the home tour against Pakistan, New Zealand has secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with an 84-run victory over Pakistan in the ODI contest at Seddon Park.
Despite the regulars are away on the franchise duty, the Black Caps are fielded a relatively inexperienced group for the match.
“There’s some pretty experienced guys here, both internationally and domestically, which have been great to talk to and learn from. Probably on paper, guys haven’t played a lot of international cricket, but there’s some experienced guys in the group still with some great knowledge to tap into, which has been really cool,” said Mitchell Hay.
“It’s awesome that there is good competition for spots, and I think it’s a good place for New Zealand cricket to be in. Hopefully, just keep pushing each other to get better and keep trying to win games for New Zealand, which is really cool,” the batter added.
Mitchell Hay fell just one run short of his maiden international century, scoring 99 runs off 78 deliveries to pave the way for New Zealand’s win the second ODI. His partnership with Muhammad Abbas proved to be a game-changer for New Zealand, stabilizing the innings after a challenging start with the bat.
“It was pretty tough out there to start with. It was just a time that me and Muhammad Abbas talked about trying to absorb a bit of pressure and then hopefully be able to apply it a bit later on.”
“Abbas was great. He was a pretty calming influence out there. To be honest, he’s crazy mature beyond his years and it was really nice to bat with him out there. It was good that we could put a bit of pressure on later, which was nice,” he said.
Meanwhile, New Zealand stand-in captain, Michael Bracewell led the side to win in both ODI and T20I series.
“He’s been great. He’s such a good leader. Just the small chats people don’t see, but he’s just a guy that when he speaks, everyone listens. Similar to Mitch Santner as well, just a really calming influence over the group and just a really strong, natural leader and he’s been really cool to play under,” concluded Mitchell Hay.
The third match of the ODI series Pakistan and New Zealand on April 05 at Bay Oval.
