New Zealand secured a comprehensive 43-run victory in the third ODI against Pakistan, completing a dominant 3-0 series whitewash.
The Black Caps’ all-round performance in both batting and bowling ensured that Pakistan could not recover from early setbacks, ultimately bowled out for 221 in 40 overs while chasing a target of 265.
Pakistan's chase was jolted early on when Imam-ul-Haq suffered a blow to his right jaw while running between the wickets. The injury forced him to retire from the match, with Usman Khan coming in as his replacement.
Despite this, Abdullah Shafique and captain Babar Azam put together a promising 68-run stand, providing a brief sense of stability for the visitors.
However, the partnership was broken when Shafique was dismissed for 33, caught by Ben Sears off the bowling of Mitchell Santner. At 73-1, Pakistan's hopes rested on Babar Azam, who was looking in fine touch.
He reached a crucial half-century, which included four boundaries and one six, before his innings was cut short. Babar was dismissed for 51 by Santner, leaving Pakistan at 108-3 in the 23rd over.
The batting collapse continued as Usman Khan was dismissed for 12 by Muhammad Abbas, and Agha Salman followed soon after for 11, falling to Ben Sears. With Pakistan at 135-5 in the 26th over, the chase seemed increasingly unlikely.
Rizwan, Pakistan's captain, fought valiantly, contributing 37 runs before falling to Jacob Duffy, leaving the visitors at 169-5.
Faheem Ashraf’s brief stay at the crease ended with just three runs, and despite a late cameo from Naseem Shah, who scored 17 runs, Pakistan could not avoid a humiliating defeat.
They were bowled out for 221 in the 40th over, with Sears claiming his second five-wicket haul of the series. Jacob Duffy, along with Michael Bracewell, Muhammad Abbas, and Daryl Mitchell, each picked up a wicket to ensure Pakistan’s collapse.
Earlier, New Zealand’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing Nick Kelly early to Naseem Shah in the third over. However, Rhys Mariu played a crucial knock, scoring 58 off 61 balls, before being trapped LBW by Sufiyan Muqeem.
Henry Nicholls contributed a solid 31 runs before falling to Akif Javed. Daryl Mitchell (43) and Tim Seifert (26) then added 61 runs for the fourth wicket, before both were dismissed in quick succession.
Captain Michael Bracewell remained unbeaten on 59 off 40 balls, providing the finishing touch to New Zealand's total of 264-8 in 50 overs. Ben Sears added a quickfire 5* at the end, giving the hosts a competitive total.
Ben Sears, named Player of the Series for his exceptional bowling performances, was the standout player, with figures of 5-31 in the third ODI. This victory marks a clean sweep for New Zealand, who were clinical in all departments throughout the series.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Akif Javed.
New Zealand: Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert, Rhys Mariu, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (c), Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay (w), Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, William O’Rourke.
