Ben sears | New Zealand Beat Pakistan in 3rd ODI to Seal 3-0 Sweep | NZ vs PAK Highlights

New Zealand Sweep Series 3-0 as Pakistan Falter Yet Again in Final ODI

NZ vs PAK 3rd ODI: New Zealand outclass Pakistan to complete whitewash

There was little surprise and a lot of disappointment as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 43 runs in the third and final ODI at Mount Maunganui on Saturday, wrapping up a dominant 3-0 series sweep. The margin of defeat was smaller than in the previous two matches, but the outcome followed a now-familiar script Pakistan’s brittle batting, once again, failed to show any real resistance, especially under pressure.

The match, shortened to 42 overs per side due to a delayed start caused by a damp outfield, offered Pakistan one final chance to save face after consecutive losses in Napier and Hamilton. Instead, it only underlined the same persistent flaws that have haunted the team across formats on this New Zealand tour.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TVNZ+ (@tvnz.official)

Ben Sears Shines Again as Pakistan Batting Crumbles

One of the standout stories of the series has been the emergence of Ben Sears, and he made sure to leave his mark once more. The young fast bowler tore through Pakistan’s middle and lower order with hostile short-pitched bowling, finishing with figures of 5 for 34 his second five-wicket haul in as many games.

Pakistan, chasing 265 in a rain-shortened game, could only manage 221 in 40 overs. Their chase never really caught fire. Babar Azam’s 50 off 58 balls and Abdullah Shafique’s 33 off 56 were the only real contributions of note, both of which lacked the necessary intent or pace for a chase of that magnitude. Mohammad Rizwan threatened briefly with 37, but his dismissal to Jacob Duffy, who also bowled well for his 2 for 40, snuffed out the last flicker of hope.

Adding to Pakistan's woes was the unfortunate early exit of Imam-ul-Haq, who retired hurt after being struck on the jaw by a throw while attempting a quick single. It was a blow both literal and symbolic Pakistan’s innings never really recovered.

Bracewell and Mariu Lay Foundation for Competitive New Zealand Total

Earlier in the day, Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first marking the third time they had made the same decision in this series. Unfortunately, the outcome was just as ineffective.

New Zealand posted a total of 264 for 8 in their allotted 42 overs. The star with the bat was Rhys Mariu, who scored a classy 58 off 61 balls in just his second ODI. The 21-year-old opener showed remarkable composure, timing, and balance, stitching a crucial 74-run partnership with Henry Nicholls to stabilize the early innings after the loss of Nick Kelly.

At the backend, it was Michael Bracewell who gave the innings its final flourish. The Kiwi skipper slammed a rapid 59 off 40 balls, peppered with six sixes. His assault turned what could’ve been a middling total into a challenging one, especially on a Bay Oval surface offering bounce and lateral movement.

Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Akif Javed, who picked up 4 wickets for 62 runs. He had some good moments but lacked consistent support. Naseem Shah, despite his expensive figures of 2 for 54, was arguably the most threatening with his movement and pace.

Pakistan’s Batting Strategy Under Microscope Again

For the third time in as many matches, the Pakistan batting collapse proved fatal. There was no shortage of criticism aimed at the top order’s conservative approach, particularly from fans and former cricketers who expected more adaptability on New Zealand’s seaming tracks.

The team’s inability to adjust to bounce and pace was glaring. Most dismissals came from short-pitched bowling poor pull shots, mistimed hooks, and indecisive footwork. Despite this being the final match of the tour, there were few signs of learning or tactical adjustment.

Babar Azam, while technically solid, was again unable to change gears when required. He reached his half-century with elegance but fell shortly after, playing a tame shot. His critics point to his inability to dominate in big moments, while his supporters highlight the lack of support around him. The truth, perhaps, lies somewhere in between.

A Tour to Forget for Pakistan Cricket

This result marks the end of a miserable tour for Pakistan. Not only did they lose the ODI series 3-0, but they also went down 4-1 in the T20I series. Both formats revealed a team that was unsure of its combinations, out of sync in execution, and lacking intensity. The selection of young players meant to energize the squad only exposed deeper structural gaps.

There was no standout batter across the white-ball tour, and the bowlers bar Naseem Shah rarely looked like controlling the game for extended periods. Even when Pakistan had moments of ascendancy, they couldn’t string enough quality overs or partnerships to apply sustained pressure on the Kiwis.

Bright Spots for New Zealand as T20 World Cup Looms

For New Zealand, this series has been a celebration of squad depth. From the emergence of Rhys Mariu to the consistency of Ben Sears, the hosts have discovered potential T20 and ODI assets heading into a packed international calendar, including the T20 World Cup 2026.

Bracewell’s aggressive captaincy and finishing skills have been crucial. Jacob Duffy’s bounce and discipline have complemented Sears beautifully, and even in the absence of some senior players, the Black Caps looked well-drilled and sharp in all three departments.

This 3-0 sweep not only reaffirms their dominance at home but also underlines how well they’re developing a second string capable of standing toe-to-toe with full-strength visiting squads.