NZ Outclass Pak to Take ODI Series 3-0, as Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand ended on a disappointing note with the hosts wrapping up the series in dominant fashion. The visitors once again faltered with the bat, unable to handle New Zealand’s pace attack led by Ben Sears.
NZ Outclass Pak to Take ODI Series 3-0 as Ben Sears Stars Again
NZ Outclass Pak to Take ODI Series 3-0 as Pakistan’s batting frailties were once again on display, with New Zealand clinching a 43-run win in the third and final ODI at Mount Maunganui on Saturday. Chasing a revised target of 265 in 42 overs, Pakistan were bowled out for 221 in 40 overs, continuing a trend of underwhelming performances throughout the tour.
NZ Outclass Pak in a commanding performance as the match, delayed by two hours due to a wet outfield, saw New Zealand post 264/8. Opener Rhys Mariu scored a maiden half-century in just his second international game, making 58 off 61 balls with six fours and two sixes. The middle order chipped in with useful starts before captain Michael Bracewell exploded at the death, smashing 59 off 40 balls, including six sixes. He was dismissed off the final ball of the innings by Akif Javed, who finished with 4-62. Naseem Shah was again impressive, picking up 2-54 with good pace and movement.”
Pakistan’s innings started poorly as Imam-ul-Haq had to retire hurt on 1 after being struck on the jaw by a fielder’s throw while attempting a quick single. The visitors never recovered from early setbacks, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Abdullah Shafique managed a cautious 33 off 56 balls, while captain Babar Azam top-scored with a composed 50 off 58 deliveries.
Mohammad Rizwan, one of Pakistan’s more consistent performers, was dismissed for 37 by Jacob Duffy in the 33rd over — a blow that all but ended Pakistan’s hopes. Duffy finished with 2-40, but the star of the show was once again Ben Sears. The fiery pacer rattled the visitors with short-pitched bowling, taking 5-34, including four wickets from bouncers. It was his second consecutive five-wicket haul after another stellar display in Hamilton.
The series loss highlighted Pakistan’s continued struggles against quality pace bowling in foreign conditions. They were unable to handle the bounce and swing offered by the New Zealand surfaces, often falling to rash or poorly judged strokes.
NZ Outclass Pak as New Zealand had already wrapped up the T20I series 4-1 before dominating the ODIs winning the first match in Napier by 73 runs and the second in Hamilton by 84 runs. The final ODI followed the same script, with Pakistan failing to mount a proper challenge.
This tour will be a worrying sign for the Pakistan camp, particularly with the ICC Champions Trophy and other key tournaments approaching. While Babar Azam and a few bowlers showed glimpses of form, the team as a whole lacked adaptability and resilience under pressure.
With this clean sweep, New Zealand end the series on a high, with Ben Sears emerging as a standout performer across formats. NZ Outclass Pak in all departments, and Pakistan, meanwhile, will need to regroup and reflect as they look to fix their glaring weaknesses ahead of future tours.
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