NZ vs PAK 3rd ODI | Sears, Bracewell Shine as NZ Win Series 3-0

New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd ODI: Kiwis Seal 3-0 Series Win as Pakistan Falter Again at Bay Oval

Summary
New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 43 runs in the third and final ODI of the series at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, completing a clean sweep with a 3-0 scoreline. Led by a blazing 59 from captain Michael Bracewell and another fiery spell by Ben Sears, the hosts capitalized on Pakistan’s inconsistency with the bat, especially under the pressure of a chase. Despite Babar Azam’s half-century and another solid start from Abdullah Shafique, Pakistan’s batting collapse proved costly once again in a rain-shortened 42-over game.

Scorecard

New Zealand – 264/8 (42 overs)
Top Performers:

• Michael Bracewell – 59 (40)

• Rhys Mariu – 58 (61)

• Ben Sears – 5/34

• Akif Javed – 4/62

Pakistan – 221 all out (40 overs)
Top Performers:

• Babar Azam – 50 (58)

• Ben Sears – 5/34

• Jacob Duffy – 3 wickets

• Player of the Match – Michael Bracewell

• Player of the Series – Ben Sears

New Zealand complete clinical sweep as Pakistan's tour ends in disappointment

For all the promise, all the talk of young blood and future planning, Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand ended with a telling reflection of where the team truly stands. Their 43-run loss in the third ODI at Mount Maunganui wasn’t just another defeat it was a reaffirmation of the issues that have haunted them all tour. Whether it was adapting to conditions, handling pace, or constructing meaningful partnerships under scoreboard pressure, the problems ran deeper than just missed chances or poor fielding.

New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd ODI started with the toss going Pakistan’s way again. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan opted to bowl first, despite doing so in both previous games without success. With a rain delay reducing the match to 42 overs per side, the setting was tricky but offered early assistance for the bowlers.

That initial edge was seized briefly when Naseem Shah removed Nick Kelly early. But any momentum was quickly lost as Rhys Mariu, playing just his second ODI, stroked his way to a composed 58. His innings, filled with elegant drives and well-timed pulls, showed a maturity beyond his years. His 74-run partnership with Henry Nicholls kept New Zealand steady, though Pakistan spinners did slow things down in the middle overs.

It was at the death, however, where Michael Bracewell changed the game. Coming in at a time when New Zealand were still trying to push past 200, Bracewell launched a ferocious counterattack. His 59 came off just 40 balls and included six towering sixes. Alongside the tail, he took New Zealand from a decent score to a highly competitive 264 a total that always looked daunting under cloudy skies and on a track with two-paced bounce.

Ben Sears runs through Pakistan once again

Pakistan began their reply cautiously, with Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam looking solid early on. But it all changed when Ben Sears was introduced. The fast bowler, already high on confidence from a five-wicket haul in Hamilton, unleashed another spell of hostility. His pace and bounce rattled the visitors, particularly in the middle overs where wickets tumbled with short balls causing panic.

Sears finished with 5/34 in just nine overs. His victims included key players like Salman Agha, Naseem Shah, and Sufiyan Muqeem all undone by his aggressive use of the bouncer. Jacob Duffy was effective as well, claiming the prized scalp of Mohammad Rizwan and maintaining pressure with tight lines.

While Babar Azam’s 50 kept Pakistan alive briefly, his dismissal in the 24th over signaled the beginning of the end. No other batter apart from Tayyab Tahir and Faheem Ashraf crossed 30, and Pakistan’s batting collapse from 169/4 to 221 all out was swift and inevitable.

Bracewell and Sears lead New Zealand’s ODI dominance

Captain Michael Bracewell deservedly earned the Player of the Match award not only for his quickfire 59 but also for his clever bowling in the middle overs. His spell of 3-0-9-1 included the wicket of Faheem Ashraf and helped choke Pakistan’s momentum during the chase.

However, it was Ben Sears who walked away with the Player of the Series award his second consecutive five-for underlined his breakout status in New Zealand cricket. Sears’ ability to exploit short ball conditions, control the field, and bowl with venom at crucial junctures made him the biggest difference-maker across the three ODIs.

Pakistan’s missed opportunities and what lies ahead

This series defeat marks a low point in what’s been a disjointed tour for Pakistan. Losing the T20I series 4-1 and now a clean sweep in the ODIs, it’s clear the team has struggled to cope with New Zealand’s fast bowling depth and the local conditions. The batting unit looked technically under-prepared, and the bowling aside from a few bright spells from Akif Javed and Naseem Shah lacked penetration.

Babar Azam remains Pakistan’s most consistent performer, but even he has looked like a man burdened by responsibility, not freed by it. Questions will now be asked about Pakistan’s ODI combinations, leadership, and readiness for the ICC tournaments on the horizon.

New Zealand’s balance and depth stand out

In contrast, New Zealand have once again proven that their cricketing structure allows for seamless transitions. With multiple first-choice players rested, they fielded a mix of youth and fringe talent and yet delivered a clean sweep. From Rhys Mariu’s top-order maturity to the deadly Sears-Duffy pace duo and Bracewell’s reliable all-round display, the Kiwis showcased squad depth few teams currently match.

Coach Gary Stead will be pleased with how his bench strength responded under pressure, especially with key players like Kane Williamson and Devon Conway absent. This series sets the tone for New Zealand as they prepare for global events in 2025 and 2026.