PAK vs NZ 3rd ODI highlights: Bracewell’s Blaze and Ben Sears’ fifer seal 3-0 whitewash for New Zealand

Bracewell's destructive batting and Sears' five-wicket haul hand Pakistan a series shock at Bay Oval.
New Zealand completed a comprehensive ODI series performance by whitewashing a well-angled Pakistan side 3-0 with a 43-run victory in the decider played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The third ODI, reduced to 42 overs a side because of rain, witnessed a second-string Kiwi team outclass the visitors in all departments. New Zealand was asked to bat first and scored a competitive 264/8, Michael Bracewell's late fireworks proving crucial. Pakistan, in response, faltered under scoreboard pressure and was bowled out for 221 in 40 overs.

Naseem Shah gave Pakistan a strong start by dismissing Nick Kelly for just 3 runs early in the match. Young Rhys Mariu (58) and Henry Nicholls (31) then set up a strong foundation with a 78-run stand. Though Pakistan nibbled away at the middle overs with wickets-courtesy of Akif Javed and Sufiyan Muqeem—New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell turned the game around in the death overs. He hit 59 off 40 deliveries, taking advantage of a slow over-rate penalty that compelled Pakistan to bring in an additional fielder. His counterattack took New Zealand to a better-than-par 264/8.

 Pakistan Collapse In Spite of Babar and Rizwan's Resistance

Pakistan's pursuit started on a wobbly note when Imam-ul-Haq was forced to retire injured after being hit on the jaw by a throw. Abdullah Shafique's tail-end knock (33 off 56) contributed to the pressure as Pakistan's run rate suffered. Babar Azam was classy in his 50s and got some help from Mohammad Rizwan (37 off 32), but their fall spurred a collapse. Usman Khan, Salman Agha, and Faheem Ashraf all got out cheaply, while Tayyab Tahir provided a brief resistance with a 33-run cameo.

Ben Sears became New Zealand's bowling hero, destroying Pakistan's lower order with searing pace and accuracy. He returned career-best figures of 5/34, securing the 43-run win and clinching the series in style for the hosts. Pakistan were bowled out for 221 in 40 overs, well short of the target despite glimpses of promise.

This resounding series win will be remembered as a major statement from New Zealand, especially considering their depleted squad. Meanwhile, Pakistan will be left reeling from a clean sweep on foreign soil, with major questions looming over their middle-order consistency and game awareness in crunch moments.