Kiwis Complete 3-0 Humiliation of Pak in ODI Series
Neither seniors nor juniors could make an impact for the visitors
Nothing seems to be going right for Pakistan cricket right now. After a whopping 1-4 loss to the Kiwis in the T20 series, it has now lost the ODI series even more comprehensively.
In a rain-shortened contest at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand clinched a commanding 43-run victory over Pakistan in the third ODI, completing a clean sweep of the series. The match, reduced to 42 overs per side due to a wet outfield, showcased New Zealand's adaptability and Pakistan's persistent struggles against seam bowling.
Batting first, New Zealand, without many of its seniors who are doing duty in the IPL, put up a competitive 264/8. It was a score led by Michael Bracewell's explosive 59 off 40 balls and Rhys Mariu's maiden half-century (58 off 61 balls). Despite losing opener Nick Kelly early, Mariu anchored the innings, while Bracewell's late fireworks added crucial runs. Pakistan's Akif Javed impressed with figures of 4/62, supported by Naseem Shah's 2/54.
Pakistan's chase faltered from the outset, with Imam-ul-Haq retiring hurt after being struck on the jaw. Babar Azam's resilient 50 provided a glimmer of hope, but the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Ben Sears' exceptional five-wicket haul (5/34) and Jacob Duffy's disciplined bowling (2/40). Sears' two wickets in two balls nearly resulted in a hat-trick, underscoring his dominance.
The series highlighted New Zealand's superior preparation and execution, as it outclassed Pakistan in all three matches. Pakistan captain Mohammed Rizwan won the toss in all the three matches. But in not even one match, the visitors could use the conditions to their advantage. The Kiwis' seam attack proved too formidable for Pakistan, who struggled to adapt to the conditions throughout the tour. With this victory, New Zealand reaffirmed their status as a force to be reckoned with in ODI cricket.
Pakistan, which was humiliated in the recently concluded Champions Trophy, has a hard road climb to be among the top echelons of international cricket. But none of its main players are in any kind of form to help provide consistency to the team. Be it with the ball or bat, the story is the same for Pakistan.
