Hamilton, Apr 2 (Reporter) Wicketkeeper-batsman Mitchell Hay played a scintillating unbeaten knock of 99 off 78 balls as New Zealand secured a commanding 84-run victory over Pakistan in the second One Day International (ODI) of the ongoing series at Seddon Park here Wednesday. Hay, who fell just short of a maiden international century, anchored the innings with an array of attacking strokes. His innings was laced with seven sixes and as many fours, including a maximum off Mohammad Wasim to reach his half-century and a faint edge past the keeper for his final boundary in the last over. Supported by Muhammad Abbas (41), Henry Nicholls (22), and Michael Bracewell (17), New Zealand posted a formidable 292 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled for control, with Wasim (2/78) and Haris Rauf (1/75) proving expensive despite picking up key wickets. Faheem Ashraf (1/46) and Sufiyan Muqeem (2/33) bowled with more discipline, with Muqeem dismissing Abbas after luring him into a mistimed pull straight to deep mid-wicket. Chasing 293, Pakistan faltered early and were bundled out for 208 in 41.2 overs. The visitors lost quick wickets, slumping to 32 for 5, with Babar Azam falling for just 1, edging Jacob Duffy to Henry Nicholls at slip. Faheem Ashraf fought back with a resilient 73, reaching his fifty with a six off Ben Sears, while Tayyab Tahir added 13, including a powerful square cut off Nathan Smith. Naseem Shah, coming in as a concussion substitute, played a spirited knock, bringing up his maiden ODI fifty with a four off Nathan Smith before eventually falling for 51. Ben Sears was the chief architect of Pakistan’s collapse, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/59), including a key breakthrough when he had Mohammad Rizwan caught behind in the 12th over. Jacob Duffy (3/35) and Nathan Smith (1/53) provided crucial support, with Smith dismissing Tahir with a well-directed short ball. Pakistan also suffered a crucial run-out in the final overs, with Rizwan’s direct hit catching Ben Sears short of his crease while attempting a single. The innings ended when Naseem Shah was caught at long-off, sealing a comprehensive victory for the hosts. With this victory, New Zealand take a 2-0 lead in the series. The final ODI will be played on April 5 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui...////...