Mount Maunganui, April 5, 2025 – New Zealand completed a dominant whitewash over Pakistan in the three-match ODI series, securing a 43-run win in the third and final match at Bay Oval.
Despite fielding a relatively inexperienced squad, the hosts outplayed Pakistan across all departments to seal the 3-0 series win in style.
The third ODI showcased yet another well-rounded performance from New Zealand, with their batting lineup building a solid platform in the rain-shortened game. Michael Bracewell led from the front with a brilliant half-century, while young Rhys Mariu impressed with his maiden ODI fifty. Useful contributions from the middle order ensured a competitive total. On the bowling front, Ben Sears delivered a match-winning performance with his second consecutive five-wicket haul, becoming the first New Zealand bowler to achieve back-to-back fifers in ODI cricket.
In response, Pakistan began their chase steadily despite the early loss of Imam-ul-Haq to injury. Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam stitched together a promising partnership. However, once Babar was dismissed after reaching his half-century, the innings unraveled. Regular wickets and a lack of partnerships led to Pakistan falling well short of the target. Mohammad Rizwan and Tayyab Tahir offered some resistance, but without meaningful support, the total remained out of reach.
Pakistan’s bowling effort showed signs of improvement in this final ODI, with Akif Javed taking four wickets and Naseem Shah chipping in with two. Sufiyan Muqeem and Faheem Ashraf also picked up one wicket each. However, their inability to contain the flow of runs in the death overs once again proved costly.
New Zealand’s captain Michael Bracewell praised the squad’s collective effort, highlighting the performances of the newer players and the aggressive style of play. He credited their bowlers for maintaining intensity and expressed satisfaction with how the team executed their plans throughout the series.
On the other hand, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, particularly with the bat. He appreciated New Zealand’s professionalism and stated that Pakistan would now focus on improving ahead of the upcoming PSL tournament, which remains a high point for fans back home.
Ben Sears was named Player of the Series for his outstanding 10 wickets in two ODI matches, while Bracewell earned Player of the Match honors for his key contributions.
With this result, New Zealand once again underline their strength in home conditions, while Pakistan are left to reflect on a disappointing tour, having won just one game across the five T20Is and three ODIs.