Mount Maunganui (Web Desk): New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 43 runs in the third and final one-day international (ODI) to sweep the series 3-0.
The match was reduced to 42 overs per side due to a delayed start, but New Zealand’s total of 264-8 still proved beyond Pakistan’s reach, who were bowled out for 221 in 40 overs.
This result mirrored the first two ODIs, where New Zealand had already secured comfortable wins, defeating Pakistan by 73 runs in Napier and by 84 runs in Hamilton.
It wasn’t just in the ODIs where New Zealand excelled, as they had also triumphed 4-1 in the preceding T20 series, continuing their dominance across formats.
Pakistan’s batsmen struggled against the sharp seam movement and bounce of the New Zealand bowlers, a pattern that had plagued them throughout the tour.
The tourists had no answer to the pace attack, with aggressive bowler Sears ripping through their top order, finishing with figures of 5-34.
This followed his match-winning five-wicket haul in Hamilton, with many of his victims falling to short-pitched deliveries that unsettled Pakistan’s batters.
Duffy, another key figure in the series, chipped in with 2-40, including the crucial wicket of Mohammad Rizwan for 37, effectively ending Pakistan’s slim chances of a comeback.
Babar Azam was the standout for Pakistan, top-scoring with 50 runs from 58 balls, but he had little support. Abdullah Shafique, who had struggled for fluency, made just 33 off 56 balls.
The innings started disastrously for Pakistan when Imam-ul-Haq was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the jaw by a fielder’s throw while attempting a risky quick single.
Earlier, New Zealand’s innings saw Rhys Mariu make a solid contribution, scoring his maiden half-century in just his second international match. Mariu’s composed 58 off 61 balls, which included six fours and two sixes, laid a strong foundation for New Zealand.
Despite a few of the middle-order batsmen getting starts, none of them could go on to make a substantial score until captain Michael Bracewell stepped up in the final overs. Bracewell’s aggressive 59 from just 40 balls, featuring six sixes, took New Zealand to a competitive total.
He was eventually caught off the last ball of the innings, bowled by Akif Javed, who had taken 4-62 in a valiant effort for Pakistan. Despite Naseem Shah’s commendable bowling, where he took 2-54, Pakistan’s bowlers couldn’t stem the flow of runs.
The series ended with New Zealand firmly in control, showcasing their depth and discipline, while Pakistan will need to regroup and recalibrate ahead of future challenges, especially in conditions that clearly suited the hosts' pace attack.
