Naseem Shah scripts history with fifty in second New Zealand ODI

Pakistan pace bowler Naseem Shah created history with his gritty fifty in the second PAK vs NZ ODI at Hamilton’s Seddon Park on Wednesday.

The pacer was the second-highest run-getter for the Men in Green in the second game they lost to New Zealand by 84 runs.

While Pakistan cricket team’s top and middle-order struggled in the game, Naseem Shah scored his maiden ODI half-century.

The Pakistan bowler, who was initially rested due to a minor niggle, was brought in as a concussion substitute for Haris Rauf.

Shah looked in supreme touch as he scored 51 runs, laced with four fours and four sixes, etching his name in history books.

His 51-run knock is the second-highest individual score by a No. 11 batter in ODI history, behind only Mohammad Amir’s 58 against England in 2016.

Legendary Pakistan pacer sits at the third spot with 43 against England in 2003.

Naseem Shah also stitched a crucial 60-run stand with Faheem Ashraf (73) for the ninth wicket, to help the Pakistan cricket team avoid a heavy defeat.

However, his knock could not help Pakistan win the second PAK vs NZ game as they were bowled out for 208 while chasing 293.

The victory in the second game also helped New Zealand take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, having won the first PAK vs NZ game.

The third and final ODI between the two teams is on April 5 in Mount Maunganui.

The Pakistan cricket team would look to win the game to avoid a clean sweep in the series.

It is worth noting here that Pakistan suffered a 1-4 defeat in the PAK vs NZ T20I series, played before the ODI series.