Bracewell, Sears Lead New Zealand to 3-0 Clean Sweep Over Pakistan

Mount Maunganui(The Uttam Hindu): New Zealand wrapped up a dominant 3-0 series clean sweep against Pakistan with a 43-run victory in the third ODI at Mount Maunganui. The match, which was delayed due to rain, was reduced to 42 overs per side. The hosts posted a challenging total of 264, powered by solid half-centuries from Michael Bracewell and young Rhys Mariu. Pakistan, despite some promising starts in their chase, were bowled out for 221, with Ben Sears delivering a match-winning performance, taking five wickets. Pakistan won the toss for the third consecutive time in the series and opted to bowl. New Zealand’s innings faced early difficulties, but a string of steady partnerships helped them recover. Mariu scored 58, while he and Henry Nicholls shared a crucial 78-run stand for the second wicket. Bracewell then added a blistering 59 from just 40 balls, including six sixes, five of which came off Akif Javed, providing a late surge to the total.

Pakistan's chase was hindered by an early injury to Imam-ul-Haq, who was forced to leave the field after a throw struck his helmet grill. Usman Khan came in as a concussion substitute, but the chase lacked rhythm. Abdullah Shafique (33) and Babar Azam (50) showed resistance, but their slow scoring rate left Pakistan struggling to keep up with the required run rate. Sears then struck with two key wickets, including a five-wicket haul of 5/34. Bracewell also took a stunning diving catch, while Jacob Duffy and O’Rourke kept the pressure on. Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan made a quick 37, but the wickets continued to fall, and the chase fizzled out.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 264/8 in 42 overs (Michael Bracewell 59, Rhys Mariu 58; Akif Javed 4-62, Naseem Shah 2-54)

Pakistan 221 all out in 40 overs (Babar Azam 50, Mohammad Rizwan 37; Ben Sears 5-34, Jacob Duffy 2-40)

New Zealand won by 43 runs.