"Ben Sears, Ignored in IPL, Destroys Pakistan with Five-Wicket Haul in ODI Series"

New Zealand's right-arm pacer Ben Sears had listed himself for the IPL 2024 auction with a base price of ₹1 crore. However, none of the franchises showed interest in him, leaving the 27-year-old bowler unsold in the world's most lucrative T20 league.

Despite this setback, Sears made a strong statement in the second ODI against Pakistan in Hamilton on April 2, taking a brilliant five-wicket haul. His outstanding performance helped New Zealand bowl out Pakistan for just 208 runs, securing an 84-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

For Pakistan, Faheem Ashraf was the top scorer with 73 runs, while Naseem Shah contributed 51 runs, forming a crucial 60-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Notably, this was the first-ever ODI half-century for both players. However, the team was dismissed in just 41.2 overs.

New Zealand's Will O'Rourke played a key role early on, conceding just eight runs in his first six overs while also striking Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan twice. His sharp bouncers further rattled the opposition, with Haris Rauf suffering a blow to the helmet. Rauf failed the concussion test and was replaced by Naseem Shah.

Besides Sears' exceptional five-wicket spell, Jacob Duffy also shone with three wickets. Earlier in the match, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 292/8, thanks to an unbeaten 99-run knock from Mitchell Hay. In the final over, Hay smashed 22 runs with two sixes and two fours but fell agonizingly short of a century by just one run.

New Zealand had already won the first ODI in Napier by 73 runs. The third and final match of the series is scheduled to take place on Saturday in Mount Maunganui.