New Zealand Clean Sweep Pakistan in Thrilling ODI Series Finale
The Black Caps ended their home summer on a high note, securing a New Zealand clean sweep of Pakistan in the ODI series with a commanding 43-run victory in the third and final match at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on April 5, 2025. Led by a fiery half-century from skipper Michael Bracewell and a sensational five-wicket haul from Ben Sears, New Zealand wrapped up the series 3-0 in style, leaving Pakistan searching for answers after a dominant display by the hosts.
New Zealand Clean Sweep Series at Mount Maunganui
The final ODI was a showcase of New Zealand’s depth and resilience. Despite a wet outfield delaying the start and reducing the match to 42 overs per side, the Black Caps posted a challenging 264-8, thanks to Bracewell’s explosive 59 off 40 balls, featuring six towering sixes and a solitary four. Pakistan’s chase started brightly but unraveled under Sears’s relentless pace, ensuring New Zealand’s clean sweep of the series.
Match Highlights: Bracewell’s Blitz and Sears’ Magic
New Zealand were sent in to bat after Pakistan won the toss, but the innings got off to a shaky start with opener Nick Kelly dismissed for just 3. Rhys Mariu steadied the ship with a maiden ODI fifty, scoring 58 off 55 balls before falling to Sufiyan Muqeem. Henry Nicholls (12) skied one to deep square leg, while Daryl Mitchell (43) and Tim Seifert (26) added a vital 61-run partnership. Naseem Shah broke through to dismiss Seifert, and Mitchell fell just short of a fifty, caught behind off Akif Javed.
Enter Michael Bracewell. The captain unleashed a barrage of sixes, plundering Pakistan’s bowlers in a 40-ball onslaught. His knock ended on the final ball, caught off Javed, but not before setting a daunting target of 265. Pakistan’s Akif Javed was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 4-57.
Pakistan’s reply began promisingly, reaching 73-1 despite Imam-ul-Haq retiring hurt after a freak throw struck his jaw. However, the wheels came off when Muhammad Abbas dismissed Usman Khan (33), bringing Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan together. Babar crafted a stylish 50 off 58 balls but chipped a catch to Seifert off Jacob Duffy. Sears then struck, removing Salman Agha (8), and Duffy sent Rizwan (37) packing, effectively ending Pakistan’s hopes.
Sears was unstoppable, taking two wickets in two balls and narrowly missing a hat-trick with an LBW appeal on Tayyab Tahir. Tahir (33) offered late resistance, but Duffy had him caught behind, and Sears sealed the deal with his fifth scalp, bowling Haris Rauf to wrap up Pakistan at 221.
A Bizarre Twist: Floodlights Fail Mid-Delivery
The match wasn’t without drama. In the 37th over, as Duffy bowled to Tahir, the Bay Oval floodlights suddenly cut out. Thankfully, Tahir ducked out of harm’s way, and play resumed once power was restored, a quirky footnote in an otherwise clinical New Zealand performance.
Stats Breakdown: New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd ODI
Here’s a mobile-friendly table summarizing the key stats from the match, sourced from Kehlo Pakistan and other reliable updates:
| Team | Innings Total | Top Scorer | Best Bowler | Overs Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 264-8 | Michael Bracewell (59) | Ben Sears (5-47) | 42 |
| Pakistan | 221 all out | Babar Azam (50) | Akif Javed (4-57) | 39.2 |
Batting Highlights
- New Zealand: Bracewell’s 59 off 40 (6 sixes, 1 four), Mariu’s 58 off 55.
- Pakistan: Babar’s 50 off 58, Rizwan’s 37 off 41.
Bowling Highlights
- New Zealand: Sears’ 5-47, Duffy’s 3-44.
- Pakistan: Javed’s 4-57, Naseem Shah’s 1-42.
New Zealand’s Dominance
The Black Caps’ clean sweep wasn’t a fluke—they outclassed Pakistan across all three ODIs:
- 1st ODI (Napier): NZ 344-9, Pak 271 – Won by 73 runs. Mark Chapman’s 104* and Muhammad Abbas’ debut 52 set the tone.
- 2nd ODI (Hamilton): NZ 292-8, Pak 208 – Won by 84 runs. Mitch Hay’s 99* and Sears’ 5-47 starred.
- 3rd ODI (Mount Maunganui): NZ 264-8, Pak 221 – Won by 43 runs.
Pakistan struggled with consistency, missing key players and unable to counter New Zealand’s depth, even with stars like Babar and Rizwan in the lineup.
What’s Next for the Black Caps and Pakistan?
New Zealand’s summer ends on a triumphant note, with emerging talents like Sears and Abbas signaling a bright future. Pakistan, meanwhile, heads home licking their wounds, with questions looming ahead of their next challenge—the Champions Trophy 2025 preparations.
This New Zealand clean sweep is a testament to their adaptability and firepower, leaving fans buzzing and Pakistan ruing missed opportunities. Stay tuned to Khelo Pakistan for more cricket action as the Black Caps carry this momentum forward.
