Ben Sears led New Zealand to a commanding 43-run victory in the third one-day international on Saturday, completing a 3-0 series sweep against Pakistan.
Chasing New Zealand’s total of 264/8 in a 42-over match at Mount Maunganui, Pakistan were bowled out for 221 in 40 overs.
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The result mirrored the previous matches, with New Zealand securing victories by 73 runs in Napier and 84 runs in Hamilton. The hosts had also dominated the T20 series, winning 4-1.
Pakistan’s batters struggled against the New Zealand seamers’ bounce and movement, often falling to poor shot selection at Bay Oval.
Sears claimed outstanding figures of 5-34, following his five-wicket haul in Hamilton. Four of his wickets came from short-pitched deliveries. Jacob Duffy supported well with 2-40, including the crucial dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan for 37.
Babar Azam scored 50 from 58 balls, while Abdullah Shafique contributed 33 from 56. Imam-ul-Haq’s early retirement hurt at one, after being struck by a throw, hampered Pakistan’s start.
Batting first after a two-hour delay, New Zealand’s Rhys Mariu scored his first international half-century, making 58 from 61 balls with six fours and two sixes.
Michael Bracewell provided late impetus with 59 from 40 balls, including six sixes, before falling to Akif Javed off the final delivery.
Javed finished with 4-62, while Naseem Shah impressed with 2-54, displaying good pace and movement throughout his spell.
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