Top order help New Zealand level the series in the 2nd ODI against Pakistan - The 2nd ODI of the 5 match series between Pakistan and New Zealand was played at the Sharjah Cricket stadium. This match was crucial for the Kiwi’s as they wanted to win it to make sure that they remained in the series and Pakistan didn’t flew away with it that easily. After winning the toss in the match Pakistan decided to bat first.
The top order of the Pakistan team failed once again and they found themselves in trouble once again. The team was struggling at 20/3 when Mohammad Hafeez and Haris Sohail stitched together a partnership to steer Pakistan to a score of 97 in 20 overs. Sohail after scoring 33 runs lost his wicket brining in Misbah-ul-Haq. Haq and Hafeez continued their batting efforts till the 35th over when Hafeez parted ways as he lost his wicket after scoring 76 runs. The lower order chipped in with runs but Misbah scored 47 runs before his team was bowled out in the 49th over. The Pakistan team posted a total of 252 on board for New Zealand to chase.
The New Zealanders had a perfect start to the chase as the openers had a century run stand between them. Dean Brownlie was the first to go after scoring 47 runs he was bowled by Shahid Afridi thus breaking the partnership of 103 runs in the 19th over. Anton Devcich scored 58 runs and lost his wicket when the team was at 129. Some quick wickets fell bringing in Pakistan back in the match as the visitors were reduced to 167/5 in 33 overs. Kane Williamson and Luke Ronchi stuck together and took the team closer to victory. Ronchi after scoring 36 lost his wicket but Williamson remained unbeaten at 70 to help team win the match and level the series. He was also named as the man of the match.