NZ vs PAK 2025, 3rd ODI Review: New Zealand clean sweep Pakistan 3-0 in ODI series after 43-run win in Mount Maunganui

New Zealand (NZ) continued their dominant run over Pakistan (PAK) with a comfortable 43-run win in the third and final ODI at the Bay Oval, in Mount Maunganui, completing a 3-0 series clean sweep on Saturday, April 5.

The match, delayed by over an hour due to heavy overnight rain and a wet outfield, was reduced to 42 overs per side. Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first — the third time in the series they had taken that approach. With Haris Rauf ruled out due to a failed concussion test from the previous game, Naseem Shah returned to the XI. New Zealand made one change as well, with Tim Seifert replacing pacer Nathan Smith and making his first ODI appearance since 2019.

Batting first, the hosts posted 264/8, thanks to half-centuries from Rhys Mariu (58 off 61) and skipper Michael Bracewell (59 off 40). Daryl Mitchell also chipped in with 43 runs and, in the process, reached a personal milestone. He became the fastest New Zealand batter to score 2,000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in just 47 innings and surpassing the previous record held by Andrew Jones (52 innings).

Bracewell led from the front, not only with the bat but also with the ball, finishing with figures of 1/39 and earning the Player of the Match award. For Pakistan, Akif Javed impressed with a spell of 4/62 in his eight overs.

Pakistan falter under pressure despite steady start

In reply, Pakistan never looked in control of the chase. Opener Abdullah Shafique (33) and Babar Azam (50) provided a decent start, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Mohammad Rizwan (37) and Tayyab Tahir (33) attempted to keep the chase alive, but the Kiwi bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings.

Ben Sears was the pick of the bowlers, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/34), which earned him the Player of the Series award for his tally of 10 wickets across the three matches. Jacob Duffy also contributed with two wickets, while Mitchell and Bracewell took one each.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 221 in 40 overs, falling short by 43 runs. With this defeat, Pakistan not only conceded the ODI series 3-0 but also wrapped up a disappointing tour of New Zealand, having earlier lost the T20I series 4-1.