Pakistan will put in their best efforts to avoid a clean sweep in the ongoing One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand.
The visitors are determined to win the third and final ODI scheduled for April 5, 2025, at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. New Zealand has already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, leaving Pakistan with a must-win scenario to salvage some pride.
New Zealand’s dominance in this tour has been undeniable, with a 4-1 drubbing in the T20I series followed by a well-executed ODI series win. The Kiwis have shown their ability to triumph in various conditions, both at home and away, against full-strength teams and second-string squads alike. In the first two ODIs, their performances have been clinical and precise, giving Pakistan little chance to respond. As the final ODI approaches, Pakistan will be keen to reflect on what has been a challenging tour and look to avoid a humiliating clean sweep in the ODI series.
Under the leadership of Michael Bracewell, New Zealand has ticked every box for success. The inclusion of two new faces, Nick Kelly and Rhys Mariu, has provided fresh energy to the squad. Despite the absence of key players like Will Young and Mark Chapman, New Zealand’s batting has remained strong, with contributions from Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, and Mitchell Hay, who rescued the team with a crucial 99. The team’s depth is evident, with experienced players and fresh talent working in unison to dominate Pakistan.
On the bowling front, New Zealand’s pace attack has been a nightmare for Pakistan, with consistent wicket-taking performances from the bowlers. Pakistan, however, has struggled in both batting and bowling. The experienced batting duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has failed to deliver, putting extra pressure on the entire lineup. When tasked with chasing, Pakistan’s batting has appeared disorganized and vulnerable, and their experiments with different combinations have not yielded results.
Despite some bright spots, such as Faheem Ashraf’s all-round performances and promising bowling from Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Wasim, Pakistan has struggled to find the right formula for success. Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s pace spearhead, has been inconsistent, and the team’s slow over-rate offences have also plagued their progress. With a clean sweep looming for New Zealand, Pakistan will be desperate to end the series with a win, while the hosts will look to complete their dominance and finish the series on a high note.