New Zealand's Thrilling ODI Victory: Bracewell and Mariu Shine Against Pakistan

Match Highlights from Mount Maunganui

In a rain-affected third one-day international at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand set a target of 264 runs for Pakistan, finishing their innings at 264-8. The match was reduced to 42 overs per side due to wet conditions.

Rhys Mariu, in just his second ODI, achieved his first half-century, scoring 58 runs off 61 deliveries. Daryl Mitchell also made headlines by surpassing the 2,000-run mark, contributing 43 runs to the total.

Captain Michael Bracewell played a crucial role, finishing with a brisk 59 runs from 40 balls, which included a flurry of sixes in the final overs, helping New Zealand accumulate 99 runs in the last 19 overs.

Pakistan, having won the toss, opted to bowl first for the third consecutive match in the series. This strategy had previously failed in the first two games, where New Zealand emerged victorious by 73 and 84 runs.

The match commenced after a 90-minute delay due to rain, which left the pitch damp. Despite losing his opening partner Nick Kelly early on, Mariu formed a solid partnership of 74 runs with Henry Nicholls, who scored 31.

Mariu's innings ended in the 18th over when he was dismissed lbw by Sufiyan Muqeem, who outsmarted him with a well-flighted delivery. Mitchell maintained a steady scoring rate, adding 61 runs with Tim Seifert, who made 26.

At the halfway mark, New Zealand was positioned at 109-3. Although the Pakistani bowlers kept the run rate in check, Bracewell's explosive batting in the latter stages propelled New Zealand to a formidable total.