New Zealand: New Zealand continued their dominance over Pakistan with a comprehensive 43-run win in the third ODI at Mount Maunganui, sealing a 3-0 series whitewash.
After a rain-delayed start, the match was curtailed to 42 overs per side. Hosts posted 264, thanks to impactful half-centuries from Michael Bracewell and youngster Rhys Mariu. Pakistan, despite several starts in the chase, folded for 221 as Ben Sears picked up another five-wicket haul.
Put in to bat after Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss for a third time in the series, New Zealand overcame early trouble with a series of steady partnerships. Mariu (58) and Henry Nicholls added 78 for the second wicket before captain Bracewell’s late assault - 59 off just 40 balls - lifted the total. He struck six sixes, five of them off Akif Javed, including three in the final two overs to provide the late flourish.
