A remarkable all-round performance by New Zealand propelled them to a commanding 43-run triumph over Pakistan in the captivating third and final ODI held at Bay Oval on Saturday, sealing a dominant 3-0 series whitewash.
The match, curtailed to 42 overs per side due to a weather delay and damp outfield, saw New Zealand set an imposing target of 264/8. This formidable score was bolstered by impressive half-centuries delivered by captain Michael Bracewell and rising star Rhys Mariu. In their response, Pakistan faltered yet again, succumbing to 221 in 40 overs, thus concluding a rather disheartening tour for the Men in Green.
Pakistan’s pursuit started on an unfortunate note, as opener Imam-ul-Haq sustained a striking blow to the jaw while running between the wickets, forcing him to retire hurt. Usman Khan stepped in as a concussion substitute. A promising 68-run stand between Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique initially offered some stability, but the momentum changed dramatically when Ben Sears dismissed Abdullah for 33, sparking a downhill slide.
Usman Khan could only muster a mere 12 runs before succumbing to Muhammad Abbas. Meanwhile, Babar’s promising innings was marked by 50 runs off 58 deliveries, adorned with four elegant boundaries and a towering six. His flourish came to an abrupt halt when part-timer Daryl Mitchell lured him into a miscue that was comfortably caught at deep mid-wicket.
Unfortunately, Salman Ali Agha (11) also fell cheaply to the fierce Ben Sears, leaving Pakistan in a precarious situation. Mohammad Rizwan and Tayyab Tahir valiantly mounted a resistance with a 34-run partnership, but the relentless Jacob Duffy disrupted their efforts by dismissing Rizwan for 37, soon followed by Tayyab (33), as the Pakistani lower order crumbled under the relentless pressure.
Sufiyan Muqeem was the final wicket to fall as the visitors were skittled out for 221, ushering in a definitive victory for New Zealand. Ben Sears, the chief architect of destruction, celebrated his second five-wicket haul of the series, with Duffy providing key support by claiming two wickets, while Bracewell, Abbas, and Mitchell each seized another.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s innings was constructed on a sturdy foundation paved by the skilful duo of Rhys Mariu and Michael Bracewell. After the early loss of opener Nick Kelly to a precise delivery from Naseem Shah, Mariu dazzled with a composed and mature knock of 58 from 61 balls, fashioning a significant 78-run partnership for the second wicket with Henry Nicholls, who contributed 31 runs.
Mariu eventually succumbed to an LBW dismissal by Sufiyan Muqeem, while Akif Javed bowled an exceptional spell during the middle overs, claiming the wickets of Nicholls and the formidable Daryl Mitchell, who scored an assertive 43. Nevertheless, Bracewell masterfully propelled New Zealand forward with an unbeaten 59 off merely 40 balls—his innings highlighted by a solitary boundary and a splendid exhibition of six towering sixes—garnering New Zealand crucial late momentum and a formidable total to defend.
In response, Akif Javed was the standout performer for Pakistan, achieving figures of 4/51, while Naseem Shah added two wickets to his tally. Muqeem and Faheem Ashraf also took one wicket each, yet despite their combined efforts, they could not thwart New Zealand from achieving a commanding series sweep.