India, April 2 -- Pakistan's chase of 293 in the second ODI against New Zealand turned into a nightmare as their top order crumbled under relentless pressure from the Kiwi pacers. In a catastrophic start, the visitors slumped to 32/5 in 11.4 overs, virtually ending any hopes of a successful chase. Among the early casualties was former captain Babar Azam, whose prolonged struggles with the bat have become an increasing concern.

New Zealand's bowlers came out with fire, exploiting assistance from the surface. Jacob Duffy and his fellow Kiwi pacers rattled Pakistan's top order, dismantling their backbone in the blink of an eye. The dismissals began early, but it was Babar's fall that deepened Pakistan's woes.

Babar Azam, once the bedrock o...