New Zealand sweep ODI series with final win against Pakistan

New Zealand wrapped up a decisive series victory, defeating Pakistan by 43 runs in the third ODI at Mount Maunganui to seal a 3-0 whitewash. The rain-affected match, reduced to 42 overs per side, saw the hosts post a competitive total before their bowlers ensured a comfortable win.

Pakistan won the toss and invited the Kiwis to bat first.

Batting first, New Zealand put up 264/8 in their allotted 42 overs, led by an aggressive knock from Michael Bracewell 59 off 40,  Rhys Mariu 58 off 61 provided a steady start, while Daryl Mitchell 43 off 53 contributed crucial runs in the middle order. Mitchell Hay, eight off eight and Ben Sears, five off three, added late runs, helping New Zealand set a challenging total.

For Pakistan, Akif Javed took four and Naseem Shah two, while Faheem Ashraf and Sufiyan Muqeem chipped in with a wicket each.

Chasing 265, Pakistan's batting lineup faltered against New Zealand's disciplined bowling. For green shirts, Babar Azam scored 50 off 58, Mohammad Rizwan 37 off 32, Tayyab Tahir 33 off 31 and Naseem Shah scored 17 runs off 13 balls.

New Zealand's Ben Sears took five, Jacob Duffy two, and Michel Bracewell, Muhammad Abbas, and Daryl Mitchell took one wicket each.

New Zealand has already won the first two matches of the ODI series.

Earlier, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 4-1 in the T20 series.