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New Zealand continued their dominant home form by securing a comprehensive 43-run victory over Pakistan in the third and final ODI at Mount Maunganui, thereby sealing a 3-0 whitewash in the series. Led by an all-round performance from skipper Michael Bracewell and an outstanding five-wicket haul from pacer Ben Sears, the Black Caps successfully defended a competitive total of 264 in a rain-curtailed 42-over match. Pakistan, in response, failed to build any substantial partnerships despite a gritty fifty from Babar Azam, folding for 221 in 40 overs.
New Zealand’s tactical brilliance and explosive finish with the bat
Batting first after Pakistan opted to field, New Zealand began cautiously but gradually shifted gears thanks to a steady 58 from opener Rhys Mariu and a crucial middle-order knock from Daryl Mitchell, who added 43. The innings’ real momentum, however, came from captain Bracewell, who unleashed a counterattacking 59 off just 40 balls, laced with one four and six towering sixes. Bracewell’s assault in the final overs ensured the home side posted 264/8, a par-plus score in the reduced-overs encounter. Akif Javed was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, claiming 4/62, while Naseem Shah chipped in with two wickets. Despite frequent breakthroughs, Pakistan’s inability to stem the flow of runs in the final overs allowed New Zealand to cross the psychological barrier of 260.
Also WATCH: Michael Bracewell takes an absolute screamer to dismiss Usman Khan in the 3rd ODI
Ben Sears’ fiery 5-for and Pakistan’s collapse under pressure
Chasing 265 for victory in 42 overs, Pakistan began their innings with an early blow as Imam-ul-Haq had to retire hurt with just one run to his name. Abdullah Shafique and Babar stitched a 73-run stand to stabilize the innings, with Babar looking fluent en route to his 50 off 56 balls. However, the chase unraveled rapidly once Mitchell removed Babar. Pakistan’s middle and lower order failed to counter the relentless pressure from Sears, whose 5/34 dismantled any hopes of a successful chase. Jacob Duffy and Bracewell also contributed with key wickets. Despite brief resistance from Tayyab Tahir and Naseem, the visitors were bowled out for 221, falling short by 43 runs. With this result, New Zealand wrapped up a clinical 3-0 series win, showcasing depth, discipline, and adaptability across all departments.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
Whitewash against new Zealand school kids with full string team, ban Pakistan team from playing cricket, they're a potential risk for this beautiful sport.
— Haroon (@ThisHaroon) April 5, 2025
Another embarrassing performance. Pakistan lost the ODI series by 3-0 against New Zealand. Enough is enough, PCB should focus on professionalism instead of favoritism. Its right time for Mohsin Naqvi to step down and let any other person to reform PCB. #PAKvNZ #PakistanCricket… pic.twitter.com/zJXAIXDBWk
— Ijaz Malik (Ejaz Hussain) (@Ijazmalik101) April 5, 2025
They won all 3 tosses , got the best conditions for bowling & batting in day games ,still lost all 3 games against this New Zealand side which was missing 7-8 of their main players#PAKvNZ
— Vishal (@Fanpointofviews) April 5, 2025
I don't wanna even rant or make memes about this team anymore. I don't even think anybody should hype PSL this time— the league that produces these winless clowns #PAKvNZ
— U M A R (@Agrumpycomedian) April 5, 2025
Pakistan likes to get whitewash with style. #PAKvNZ
— F. (@WelcomeNowLeave) April 5, 2025
Babar Azam is a funny player.
In every series, he makes sure that he at least has a few scores good enough to maintain his position in the rankings, but no match winning contributions. https://t.co/ZOvYAjpSiK— Dr. Devashish Palkar (@psychidiaries) April 5, 2025
NZ Junior Team white washed Pakistan in ODI series with both Babar Azam & Rizwan in the team. This is next level embarrassment for both senior players. Their paid touts were mocking youngsters during T20 series but now their masters unable to win a single ODI.
Karma..!#PAKvsNZ— Cric mate (@MatesCric07) April 5, 2025
I am missing those days when King Babar Azam used to smash Zimbabwe and Nepal 😢🥺
— Honesh Cricket Lover (@Honest_Cric_fan) April 5, 2025
At least Rizwan showed intent on tricky pitch baki kisi player ne intent show kia hai?? Faheem the all rounder and the great kitabi player ne kia hai ? Jo kitabi player ne inning kheli hai aj agr ye rizwan ne kheli hoti tu pta nhi kia ho jata media pr @AJavedOfficial
— ammara🇵🇸 (@ammarahmalik102) April 5, 2025
Brilliant bowling performance from Ben Sears ⚡🏏#cricket #NZvPAK #bensears #newzealandcricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/XXLEtSxpn8
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 5, 2025
