In the third and final One Day International (ODI) between New Zealand and Pakistan at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on April 5, 2025, New Zealand secured a 43-run victory, completing a 3-0 series sweep.
New Zealand's Innings:
Opting to bat first in a rain-shortened 42-over match, New Zealand posted a total of 264 for 8. Captain Michael Bracewell led the scoring with a half-century, while contributions from other batsmen bolstered the team's total.
Pakistan's Response:
Chasing a target of 265, Pakistan's innings was marked by intermittent resistance but lacked the momentum for a successful chase. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan provided notable contributions; however, the team was eventually all out for 221 in 40 overs. New Zealand's Ben Sears was instrumental with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul and significantly hindering Pakistan's progress.
Key Moments:
Ben Sears' Five-Wicket Haul: Sears' exceptional bowling performance dismantled Pakistan's batting lineup, earning him accolades and playing a pivotal role in New Zealand's victory.
Michael Bracewell's Leadership: Bracewell's captaincy and his crucial innings provided stability and set a challenging target for Pakistan.
Floodlight Failure Incident: A bizarre floodlight failure occurred during Pakistan's innings, momentarily halting play and adding an unusual twist to the match proceedings.
