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Bracewell Blasts, Sears’ Five-For Seal Historic 3-0 Series Win for New Zealand Over Pakistan
New Zealand’s Second-String Squad Humble Full-Strength Pakistan in Mount Maunganui
In a stunning finale to the three-match ODI series, New Zealand’s second-string team handed Babar Azam’s Pakistan side a clean 3-0 whitewash with a 43-run victory in the third and final ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. In a rain-curtailed encounter reduced to 42 overs per side, the hosts posted a challenging 264/8, which proved too much for Pakistan, who were bundled out for 221 in 40 overs.
This loss marked a major dent in Pakistan’s confidence as they struggled against a Kiwi side missing many of their regular stars.
Naseem Draws First Blood But Kiwis Rebuild
Pakistan’s decision to bowl first on a pitch offering early movement seemed to pay off when Naseem Shah removed Nick Kelly in just the third over. However, the Kiwi duo of Rhys Mariu and Henry Nicholls responded with a resilient 78-run partnership, blunting Pakistan’s early momentum.
Despite Nicholls falling to Akif Javed in the 18th over, Mariu showcased composure to reach his maiden international fifty before being trapped lbw by Sufiyan Muqeem for 58.
Seifert, Mitchell Lay Foundation But Pakistan Keep Chipping Away
Middle Order Battles for Momentum
After the top-order laid the foundation, Daryl Mitchell and Tim Seifert consolidated with a 50-run stand. Though Seifert looked threatening early on, Muqeem tied him down, and Naseem Shah eventually dismissed him with a sharp bouncer.
Mitchell followed soon after, edging one behind off Akif for 43, leaving New Zealand slightly wobbling at 186/5 in the 35th over.
Bracewell’s Late Blitz Powers NZ Past 260
Just when Pakistan seemed to regain control, skipper Michael Bracewell unleashed a ferocious assault in the death overs. Capitalizing on sloppy over-rate penalties and poor fielding — including a crucial dropped catch by Tayyab Tahir — Bracewell smashed a quickfire 59 off 40 balls, propelling New Zealand to 264/8 in 42 overs.
His knock turned the tide completely, turning what looked like a par score into a match-winning total.
📌 Check out our detailed analysis of Michael Bracewell’s rise as a finisher in our recent feature.
Pakistan’s Reply Falters Despite Babar and Rizwan’s Resistance
Chasing 265, Pakistan were dealt an early blow as Imam-ul-Haq was forced to retire hurt, disrupting the top order’s rhythm. Abdullah Shafique’s sluggish 33 off 56 only added to the pressure, and despite a classy fifty by Babar Azam, wickets continued to tumble.
Usman Khan struggled and fell cheaply, while Mohammad Rizwan’s 37 off 32 offered hope, but Babar’s dismissal for exactly 50 proved to be the turning point.
Sears Spearheads Collapse as Pakistan Crumble
As the game tilted in New Zealand’s favor, Ben Sears came roaring in with a fiery spell of fast bowling. The right-arm quick claimed 5 wickets for 34 runs, including the scalps of Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, and Tayyab Tahir, who managed 33 but lacked support.
The lower order crumbled under pressure, folding for 221, handing New Zealand a 43-run win and a comprehensive series sweep.
Key Takeaways and What Lies Ahead
While Pakistan showed glimpses of form through individual efforts, their collective failures in all three ODIs raise major concerns ahead of upcoming assignments. In contrast, New Zealand’s depth and discipline — even without their full-strength squad — have once again highlighted their formidable bench strength.
🔗 Read the full match scorecard and stats on ESPNcricinfo
