PAK vs NZ 3rd ODI 2025: In a rain-curtailed final ODI of the three-match series at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand delivered an all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 43 runs and seal the series 3-0. The match was reduced to 42 overs per side due to rain, but that didn’t stop the Blackcaps from dominating both with bat and ball.
New Zealand’s Solid Batting Display:
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 264/8 in 42 overs. Middle-order batter Michael Bracewell top-scored with a quickfire 59 off 40 balls, while youngster Rhys Mariu impressed with a composed 58 off 61 deliveries. Daryl Mitchell contributed 43 runs to steady the innings. For Pakistan, Akif Javed was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for 62 runs in 8 overs, and Naseem Shah supported with 2 wickets for 54 runs.
Pakistan Falters in Run Chase:
Chasing a target of 265 runs, Pakistan never looked settled. Despite a fighting 50 off 58 balls from captain Babar Azam and a 37-run knock from Mohammad Rizwan, the batting order collapsed under pressure. Tayyab Tahir chipped in with 33 runs, but the standout performance came from New Zealand pacer Ben Sears, who rattled the Pakistani lineup with a match-winning 5-wicket haul for just 34 runs in 9 overs. Jacob Duffy also bagged 2 wickets to seal the victory. New Zealand secured the ODI series 3-0 with this convincing win.
