Mount Maunganui, April 5 – New Zealand secured a 3-0 clean sweep over Pakistan in the ODI series after winning the third and final match by 43 runs.
Batting first in a rain-affected game, the hosts scored 264/8 in 42 overs. Captain Michael Bracewell led from the front with 59 runs, while Pakistan’s Akif Javed impressed with 4 wickets and Naseem Shah grabbed 2.
Pakistan began the chase with a solid 73-run opening partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam, but the middle order collapsed yet again. Babar Azam scored 50, Mohammad Rizwan added 37, and Abdullah Shafique along with Tayyab Tahir contributed 33 runs each. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 221 in 40 overs.
New Zealand’s Ben Sears was the pick of the bowlers with a superb 5-wicket haul, while Jacob Duffy took 2 wickets. Bracewell, Mohammad Abbas, and Daryl Mitchell claimed one wicket each.
In a further setback, Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq retired hurt after being struck on the face by a fielder’s throw.
With this win, New Zealand dominated the ODI series and sent a strong message ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
