New Zealand Completes ODI Sweep Against Pakistan with 43-Run Victory
Pakistan's Tour Ends on a Low Note
In Mount Maunganui, Pakistan concluded its disappointing tour of New Zealand with a 43-run defeat in the third one-day international on Saturday.
Despite a determined effort to chase down New Zealand's score of 264-8, Pakistan fell short, finishing at 221 in a match shortened to 42 overs per side due to a wet outfield.
Ben Sears, the New Zealand fast bowler, excelled with figures of 5-34, marking his second five-wicket haul in consecutive matches.
Pakistan's chase began on a troubling note when opener Imam-ul-Haq had to retire hurt in the third over after being struck on the head by a throw aimed at the stumps.
Imam was attempting a quick single when the throw hit the grill of his helmet, leaving him visibly shaken and unsteady as he was assisted off the field.
Babar Azam stepped up for Pakistan, scoring a half-century, supported by Abdullah Safique (33) and Mohammad Rizwan (37), which brought the team to 95-1 at the halfway mark.
With 10 overs left, Pakistan was in a promising position at 167-4, mirroring New Zealand's score of 165-4 at the same point. However, New Zealand managed to score 99 runs in their final 10 overs, a target Pakistan could not replicate.
Tayyab Tahir contributed 33 runs off 31 balls, but his dismissal in the 39th over at 218-9 effectively ended Pakistan's hopes.
Arriving in New Zealand with a revamped squad, Pakistan aimed to recover from a lackluster performance at the recent Champions Trophy, which they hosted, and to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Unfortunately, the team lost the five-match T20 series 4-1 and suffered defeats in the first two ODIs by margins of 73 and 84 runs before Saturday's loss. The Pakistani batsmen struggled on the fast and bouncy pitches of New Zealand.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed disappointment over the series but noted some positives, highlighting Babar Azam's excellent form and Sufiyan Muqeem's bowling performance.
He acknowledged New Zealand's superior play, stating, 'They have been very professional and played exceptionally well over the past couple of months, both in New Zealand and during our series in Pakistan.'
Earlier in the match, New Zealand's Rhys Mariu and Michael Bracewell both scored half-centuries, while Daryl Mitchell surpassed 2,000 runs in ODIs after New Zealand batted first following the toss.
Mariu achieved his first half-century in just his second ODI, scoring 58 runs off 61 balls. Mitchell, who entered the match with 1,998 runs, finished with 2,041 runs from 52 matches, boasting an average of 49.