New Zealand registered a convincing 84-run victory over Pakistan in the second ODI in Hamilton on Wednesday, sealing the three-match series 2-0. With the final match set to take place in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, the Kiwis will now aim for a clean sweep.

Pacer Ben Sears was the standout performer, claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul (5/59) in just his third ODI. After going wicketless in his previous two appearances, Sears turned the tide with his fierce bowling, dismantling Pakistan’s middle and lower order.

Chasing 293, Pakistan’s innings fell apart early. Will O’Rourke removed Abdullah Shafique for 1, followed by Jacob Duffy dismissing Babar Azam (1) and Imam-ul-Haq, leaving Pakistan at 9/3 within six overs. Salman Agha (9) also failed to settle, and captain Mohammad Rizwan struggled before departing for 5 off 27 balls.

Tayyab Tahir (13), Mohammad Wasim (1), and Akif Javed were unable to revive the innings. A late 60-run partnership between Faheem Ashraf (73 off 80) and Naseem Shah (51 off 44) offered brief resistance, but the damage had already been done. Pakistan were eventually bowled out, with Duffy finishing with figures of 3/35. O’Rourke and Nathan Smith took one wicket each.

Earlier, New Zealand posted a total of 292/8 after being sent in to bat. Openers Rhys Mariu (18) and Nick Kelly (31) got off to a brisk start. Despite a middle-order wobble that saw the side slump to 132/5, a 77-run stand between Muhammad Abbas (41) and Mitchell Hay stabilized the innings.

Hay played a crucial innings, narrowly missing out on a century with an unbeaten 99 off 78 deliveries, including seven fours and seven sixes. His knock proved vital in pushing New Zealand past the 290-mark and earned him the Player of the Match award.

For Pakistan, Sufiyan Muqeem (2/33) and Mohammad Wasim (2/78) were the notable performers with the ball.

Having already secured the series, New Zealand now have the chance to sweep Pakistan 3-0 in the final ODI this weekend.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are all set to clash with Gujarat Titans (GT) in a high-octane IPL 2025 encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With two back-to-back wins under their belt, RCB will be aiming to extend their winning streak to three and continue their dominant run in the tournament.

This match also marks RCB’s homecoming as they play their first match of the season in front of their home crowd. The excitement is high, not just for the team’s form, but also for the potential milestone that could be achieved by star batter Virat Kohli.

Kohli on cusp of a major T20 landmark

All eyes will be on Virat Kohli, who is just 24 runs away from becoming the first Indian cricketer to score 13,000 runs in T20 cricket. The veteran batter will join an elite club currently led by Chris Gayle, who has 14,562 runs from 463 T20 games.

GT pace threat and spin firepower

Gujarat Titans come into this contest with a potent bowling attack. Former RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj, now in GT colours alongside Kagiso Rabada, will be aiming to strike early and dent the Bengaluru top order.

GT’s spin unit, featuring Rashid Khan and R Sai Kishore, is expected to play a critical role against the likes of Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, and Kohli — all of whom are capable players of spin.

Bengaluru challenge for bowlers

RCB’s bowling attack, featuring experienced names like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, will be under pressure to perform on a ground known for its short boundaries and quick outfield. Despite the conditions, RCB will be banking on their bowlers to restrict GT’s scoring opportunities and maintain their unbeaten run.

RCB’s victories against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings have showcased their strength in both departments. However, the Titans — fresh off a 36-run win over Mumbai Indians — pose a different challenge.

The stage is set for an intense contest, with RCB aiming to celebrate their return to Bengaluru in style and Gujarat Titans looking to build on their momentum.

Known as one of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket, Jaiswal has reportedly written to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) requesting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the transfer.

A product of the Mumbai cricket system since his Under-19 days, Jaiswal’s decision appears to be driven by personal reasons, according to sources within the MCA. If the transfer proceeds as planned, he will don the Goa jersey in the upcoming domestic season, following the footsteps of Arjun Tendulkar and Siddhesh Lad, who have also made similar moves in recent years.

The Goa Cricket Association has welcomed the left-handed opener, with its secretary Shamba Desai confirming the development. Desai also hinted at the possibility of Jaiswal being handed the captaincy when available, citing his stature as a current India international.

Struggles in IPL 2025 highlight need for domestic reset

Jaiswal has been enduring a rough patch in the ongoing IPL 2025 season with Rajasthan Royals. In three games, the dynamic opener has managed only 34 runs at an average of 11.33 and a strike rate of 106.25. His scores so far — 1, 29, and 4 — reflect his struggles, particularly during the powerplay.

Statistically, his vulnerability in the early overs has grown. Since IPL 2024, Jaiswal has been dismissed eight times in the first three overs out of 18 innings — a 44% dismissal rate. This is a notable increase from the 29% rate observed during IPL 2022 and 2023, where he was one of the top performers with 625 runs in the latter season.

Even in IPL 2024, his returns were decent but not up to his usual standards, with 435 runs at an average of 31.07 and a strike rate nearing 156. However, he registered only one century and one fifty, indicating inconsistency.

Additionally, his attacking shot percentage has dropped to 70% over the past two seasons — a dip compared to his more aggressive outings in 2022 and 2023.

Domestic cricket a new horizon for Jaiswal

Following BCCI’s mandate for national players to participate in domestic red-ball matches, Jaiswal returned to the Mumbai setup for the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy post his Test tour in Australia. However, the upcoming season will mark a new chapter as he prepares to represent Goa, potentially in a leadership role, adding both experience and star power to the squad.