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The second One Day International (ODI) between New Zealand and Pakistan at Seddon Park, Hamilton promises to be a crucial encounter as the hosts aim to seal the series with one match still to play. After a dominant performance in the opening ODI, New Zealand will be confident of extending their lead, while Pakistan will look to bounce back and keep the series alive. With both teams boasting strong batting lineups but differing levels of bowling depth, this clash could tilt either way depending on execution. Below is a detailed preview of the match, including team analysis, fantasy picks, pitch report, toss prediction, and winner prediction.
Match Details
| Match | NZ vs PAK (2nd ODI, Pakistan Tour of New Zealand 2025) |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 2nd April 2025, 3:30 AM |
| Venue | Seddon Park, Hamilton |
| Recent Form | NZ: W-L-W-L-W, PAK: L-L-L-L-W |
Team Previews
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand showcased their depth and adaptability in the first ODI, recovering from a shaky start of 50/3 to post a formidable total of 344/9. Mark Chapman was the standout performer, scoring a magnificent 132—the highest individual score of his ODI career—while Daryl Mitchell and Muhammad Abbas provided valuable contributions lower down the order. The middle-order trio of Chapman, Mitchell, and Abbas holds the key for New Zealand, especially if the top order falters again.
Their bowlers were equally impressive, with Nathan Smith leading the charge with a four-wicket haul. Jacob Duffy and Will O’Rourke complemented him well, maintaining tight lines and extracting movement off the pitch. Playing at home gives them an added advantage, as they are familiar with the conditions and know how to exploit them. With momentum on their side, New Zealand look poised to continue their winning streak.
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan showed glimpses of promise in the first ODI, particularly through their top order, which laid a solid foundation by reaching 249/3 in the 39th over. However, a dramatic collapse saw them fall short of the target, highlighting their lack of depth in both batting and bowling. Babar Azam led the charge with a composed 78, but he will need support from Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, and Salman Agha to stabilize the innings.
The bowling department remains a concern, as Irfan Khan and Akif Javed struggled to contain the Kiwi batters, conceding over 100 runs in their combined ten overs. Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers, delivering a disciplined spell of 2/38, but he cannot shoulder the responsibility alone. For Pakistan to level the series, they need a collective effort and must address their fifth-bowler issue.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reasons |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | NZ’s balanced squad, home advantage, and recent form give them a significant edge over Pakistan. |
Fantasy Team XI
Fantasy Team XI Table
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Chapman | Batsman | NZ |
| Babar Azam | Batsman | PAK |
| Mohammad Rizwan | WK/Batsman | PAK |
| Daryl Mitchell | All-Rounder | NZ |
| Salman Agha | Batsman | PAK |
| Muhammad Abbas | All-Rounder | NZ |
| Nathan Smith | Bowler | NZ |
| Haris Rauf | Bowler | PAK |
| Jacob Duffy | Bowler | NZ |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler | PAK |
| Will O’Rourke | Bowler | NZ |
Explanation
This fantasy XI balances power-hitting (Chapman, Babar), consistency (Rizwan, Mitchell), and wicket-taking bowlers (Smith, Rauf). It leans slightly towards New Zealand due to their better overall balance.
Captain and Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain: Mark Chapman (In-form batsman; capable of anchoring or accelerating)
- Vice-Captain: Babar Azam (Classy batter; consistent performer)
Players to Avoid
- Irfan Khan: Expensive in the last game and lacks control.
- Akif Javed: Struggled to contain the opposition and leaked runs.
Team Squads and Probable Playing XIs
Squad Tables
| New Zealand | Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Will Young, Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls | Abdullah Shafique, Usman Khan |
| Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell | Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan |
| Muhammad Abbas, Michael Bracewell | Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir |
| Mitchell Hay, Nathan Smith | Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah |
| Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke | Haris Rauf, Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali |
Probable Playing XI
| New Zealand | Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Will Young, Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls | Abdullah Shafique, Usman Khan |
| Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell | Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan |
| Muhammad Abbas, Michael Bracewell | Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir |
| Mitchell Hay, Nathan Smith | Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah |
| Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke | Haris Rauf, Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali |
Pitch Report
The Seddon Park pitch is expected to offer assistance to both batters and bowlers. While it may not be an outright belter, it should provide some movement for pacers early on. Spinners could come into play in the middle overs, making it a balanced contest. A par score of around 300 could be competitive.
Toss Prediction
Batting first is the preferred choice, as three of the last four ODIs at this venue were won by teams setting targets.
Winner Prediction
New Zealand hold a clear advantage due to their superior depth, home conditions, and recent form. However, Pakistan’s top-order firepower ensures a competitive contest.
Final Answer: New Zealand
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