New Zealand completes 3-0 win over Pakistan in ODI series

New Zealand completed a clean sweep over Pakistan in their three-match one-day series, winning the third match by 43 runs in Mount Maunganui on Saturday.

A small partnership of 47 runs between Abdullah Shafique (33-56) and Babar Azam (50-58) provided the initial impetus.

Mohammad Rizwan (37-32) and Tayyab Tahir (33-31) helped in the effort, but their partners on the day could not build on the good work of the partnership, while chasing a target of 265 in a shorter match due to rain.

Imam-ul-Haq had to retire hurt and Usman Khan (12 off 17) was dismissed for a low score. After that, only Salman Agha (11) and Naseem Shah (17) managed to get double figures, as New Zealand got the job done with two overs to spare.

Ben Sears was the standout performer for New Zealand, taking 5 wickets for 34 runs to help dismiss the opposition.

Batting first, New Zealand posted 264/8 in 42 overs, with Rhys Mariu scoring his first-ever half-century. Mariu made 58 off 61 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Captain Michael Bracewell also contributed with a quickfire 59, hitting six sixes in his 40-ball innings, before getting caught off the last ball.

The match was shortened to 42 overs per side due to a wet outfield at Bay Oval, which delayed the start by almost two hours. Several middle-order New Zealand batsmen got starts but couldn’t convert them into big scores.

Pakistan’s Akif Javed took 4 wickets for 62 runs, but Naseem Shah impressed with 2 wickets for 54 runs, bowling with good pace and movement.

New Zealand had already won the first two ODIs by 73 and 84 runs, respectively, and had defeated Pakistan 4-1 in the T20 series.

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