New Zealand wrapped up a dominant 3-0 series win by defeating Pakistan by 43 runs in the final ODI.
The match was played at Mount Maunganui on Saturday and shortened to 42 overs due to a wet outfield.
Pakistan, chasing 265, collapsed for 221 in 40 overs. Once again, their batting line-up failed under pressure. New Zealand’s seamers maintained tight lines and extracted bounce throughout the innings.
Ben Sears led the attack with a fiery 5-34. He repeatedly used short-pitched deliveries to unsettle the batters. Jacob Duffy supported well, taking 2-40 and removing Mohammad Rizwan for 37 in the 33rd over.
That dismissal sealed Pakistan’s fate. Their middle-order offered little resistance.
Babar Azam fought hard with a 50 off 58 balls. Abdullah Shafique scored a slow 33 from 56 deliveries. The innings started badly when Imam-ul-Haq retired hurt after a throw hit his jaw.
Earlier, New Zealand posted 264-8 after being asked to bat first. Rain delayed the start by two hours. Despite the setback, the home side adapted quickly.
Rhys Mariu impressed with a fluent 58 off 61 balls. He hit six boundaries and two sixes in only his second ODI.
The middle order added useful runs but failed to convert starts. However, captain Michael Bracewell boosted the total with a quickfire 59 from 40 balls.
He smashed six sixes before falling on the last ball. Akif Javed picked 4-62 but proved expensive.
Naseem Shah bowled with control and pace, taking 2-54.
New Zealand had already dominated the T20I series 4-1. They carried that momentum into the ODI format with complete control.
Pakistan struggled to adjust to the bounce and seam movement throughout the tour.
In the end, New Zealand outclassed Pakistan in all departments.
