Bracewell, Sears star as New Zealand complete 3-0 clean sweep over Pakistan

IANS April 5, 2025 194 views

New Zealand comprehensively defeated Pakistan in the third ODI, completing a stunning 3-0 series whitewash. Michael Bracewell's explosive batting and Ben Sears' devastating bowling were the key highlights of the match. Despite early challenges, the Black Caps demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill throughout the series. Pakistan struggled to maintain momentum, ultimately falling short by 43 runs in a rain-curtailed encounter.

"Three sixes in the final two overs really lifted our total" - Michael Bracewell
Mount Maunganui, April 5: New Zealand continued their dominance over Pakistan with a comprehensive 43-run win in the third ODI at Mount Maunganui, sealing a 3-0 series whitewash.

Key Points

1

Bracewell smashed 59 off 40 balls with six massive sixes

2

Ben Sears decimated Pakistan's lower order with 5/34

3

Rhys Mariu contributed crucial 58 runs in series finale

4

New Zealand completes perfect 3-0 series sweep

After a rain-delayed start, the match was curtailed to 42 overs per side. Hosts posted 264, thanks to impactful half-centuries from Michael Bracewell and youngster Rhys Mariu. Pakistan, despite several starts in the chase, folded for 221 as Ben Sears picked up another five-wicket haul.

Put in to bat after Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss for a third time in the series, New Zealand overcame early trouble with a series of steady partnerships. Mariu (58) and Henry Nicholls added 78 for the second wicket before captain Bracewell’s late assault - 59 off just 40 balls - lifted the total. He struck six sixes, five of them off Akif Javed, including three in the final two overs to provide the late flourish.

Pakistan’s chase never got going. Imam-ul-Haq was stretchered off early after suffering a freak injury when a throw stuck in his helmet grill. Usman Khan replaced him as a concussion substitute, but the innings lacked fluency. Abdullah Shafique (33) and Babar Azam (50) provided some resistance, but their slow pace left Pakistan behind the scoring rate. Sears removed Shafique and later returned to rip through the lower order, finishing with 5 for 34.

Bracewell added a stunning diving catch to his tally, while Duffy and O’Rourke kept things tight throughout. Rizwan’s quick 37 was the only real burst of momentum for Pakistan, but it fizzled out as the wickets kept tumbling.

Brief scores: New Zealand 264/8 in 42 overs (Michael Bracewell 59, Rhys Mariu 58; Akif Javed 4-62, Naseem Shah 2-54) beat Pakistan 221 all out in 40 overs (Babar Azam 50, Mohammad Rizwan 37; Ben Sears 5-34, Jacob Duffy 2-40) by 43 runs.

Reader Comments

J
James K.
What a performance from Bracewell! That late innings hitting was pure entertainment 🔥 And Sears with another 5-for - this kid is special. Future of NZ cricket looking bright!
S
Sarah T.
Concerned about Imam's injury though - hope he's okay. The concussion sub rule worked well here but the game needs to be careful with player safety.
R
Rahul P.
Pakistan's middle order really needs work. Too many starts not converted into match-winning innings. Babar can't do it alone every time.
M
Megan W.
That catch by Bracewell was insane! Man of the match performance with both bat and fielding. NZ showing why they're so tough to beat at home.
A
Ali R.
Respectful criticism - the article could've mentioned more about Rhys Mariu's innings. The young guy scored 58 in tough conditions and barely gets a mention after Bracewell's fireworks.
T
Tom B.
Three sixes in two overs from Bracewell must have been amazing to watch live! NZ's depth is scary good right now.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published

Tags:
Cricket New Zealand Cricket Pakistan Cricket Michael Bracewell Ben Sears ODI Series Mount Maunganui
You May Like!