New Zealand took a commanding 2-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against Pakistan on Wednesday, securing an 84-run victory with a clinical performance. After posting a challenging total of 292/8, they bowled Pakistan out for 208 in 41.2 overs, clinching the series with one game to spare.
The hosts found themselves in a bit of a bind when they lost half their side for just 132 runs in the 27th over. However, Mitchell Hay and Muhammad Abbas came together for a crucial partnership, adding 77 runs for the sixth wicket. Abbas contributed 41 off 66 balls, including three fours, while Hay played a stunning knock of 99 not out from just 78 balls.
The 24-year-old Hay’s knock was a spectacle, with seven fours and as many sixes, helping New Zealand reach a total that proved to be match-winning. With his unbeaten 99, Hay became just the third-ever wicketkeeper-batter, following in the footsteps of Andy Flower (Zimbabwe) and Swapnil Patil (UAE), to finish an ODI innings on 99 not out.
Hay’s achievement also placed him as the 16th player in ODI history to remain unbeaten on 99. He’s the second New Zealand batter to do so after Bruce Edgar, who achieved the same feat in 1981.
New Zealand Crush Pakistan in 2nd ODI to Seal Series
List of Players to Remain Unbeaten on 99 in ODIs (updated to April 2, 2025)
- Bruce Edgar (New Zealand) – 99* vs India, 1981
- Dean Jones (Australia) – 99* vs Sri Lanka, 1985
- Richie Richardson (West Indies) – 99* vs Pakistan, 1985
- Andy Flower (Zimbabwe) – 99* vs Australia, 1999
- Alastair Campbell (Zimbabwe) – 99* vs New Zealand, 2000
- Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies) – 99* vs India, 2002
- Brad Hodge (Australia) – 99* vs New Zealand, 2007
- Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan) – 99* vs India, 2007
- Michael Clarke (Australia) – 99* vs England, 2010
- Virender Sehwag (India) – 99* vs Sri Lanka, 2010
- Malcolm Waller (Zimbabwe) – 99* vs New Zealand, 2011
- Calum McLeod (Scotland) – 99* vs Canada, 2012
- Swapnil Patil (UAE) – 99* vs Scotland, 2014
- Jason Holder (West Indies) – 99* vs PNG, 2018
- Evin Lewis (West Indies) – 99* vs Ireland, 2020
- Mitchell Hay (New Zealand) – 99* vs Pakistan, 2025
When asked about whether he thought of reaching a century during the post-match presentation, Hay said, “Didn’t cross my mind at all, I was just swinging.”
Reflecting on his partnership with Abbas, Hay said, “We just talked a lot about trying to take the game deep. We thought we could do a little bit of damage if we got to the death period. Mo batted really nicely. It was nice to form a partnership with him and take it deep.”
Hay, who made his ODI debut last November, has now scored 158 runs from four innings, averaging 52.66, with a half-century to his name.
