In the third and final ODI of the three-match series, New Zealand scored 264 runs in 42 overs after being asked to bat first. The match at Bay Oval was reduced to 42 overs per side due to rain. New Zealand didn’t get off to a strong start, but captain Michael Bracewell played a blistering knock, smashing 59 runs off 40 balls, including 1 four and 6 sixes. Youngster Rhys Mariu also impressed with a steady 58 off 61 balls.
Other key contributions came from Henry Nicholls (31), Daryl Mitchell (43), and Tim Seifert (26). For Pakistan, Akif Javed was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 62 runs in 8 overs. Naseem Shah picked up 2 wickets, while Faheem Ashraf and Sufiyan Muqeem claimed one each. Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Salman Ali Agha went wicketless.
Pakistan had won the toss and opted to bowl first. Now, they need 265 runs to win the match and avoid a 3-0 whitewash in the series, as New Zealand already leads 2-0. It won’t be an easy chase, with New Zealand boasting a strong bowling attack. All eyes will be on Pakistan’s top batters like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Faheem Ashraf to deliver. The match is finely poised and promises an exciting second innings as Pakistan looks to fight back and salvage pride.
