April 2, 2025: New Zealand clinched the series against Pakistan with a commanding 84-run victory in Hamilton on Wednesday, setting the stage for a clean sweep in the final ODI on Saturday in Mount Maunganui.
The standout performer for the Kiwis was Ben Sears, who put up a sensational display with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul in just his third ODI. After going wicketless in his first two games, Sears returned figures of 5/59, leading New Zealand to an emphatic win.
Pakistan’s chase of 293 runs began disastrously as they suffered an early collapse. Will O’Rourke struck first, dismissing Abdullah Shafique for just a single, followed by Babar Azam, who fell to Jacob Duffy for 1. Imam-ul-Haq also followed suit, leaving Pakistan reeling at 9/3 in just 5.3 overs.
Things went from bad to worse for Pakistan as Salman Agha (9) was dismissed and Mohammad Rizwan, the captain, managed only 5 runs off 27 balls before falling. Tayyab Tahir (13) was sent packing by Nathan Smith, while Mohammad Wasim (1) was the victim of Sears’ brilliant spell.
Akif Javed was also removed by Duffy, making it 31/4 in 11.1 overs. The Pakistani lower order showed some resistance with Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah putting together a 60-run partnership. Ashraf’s counter-attacking knock of 73 runs off 80 balls, along with Shah’s 51 runs off 44 balls, gave Pakistan some hope, but they ultimately fell short, finishing all out for 208.
Sears led the bowling attack with 5/59, while Duffy contributed with 3/35. O’Rourke and Smith picked up a wicket each as New Zealand secured the win.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 292/8. Openers Rhys Mariu (18) and Nick Kelly (31) provided a solid start, but Kelly fell at 54/1 in the 6th over. The Kiwis reached 100 in 15.3 overs, but lost Daryl Mitchell (18) and Henry Nicholls (22) soon after, leaving them at 102/4.
Despite the middle-order stumbles, Mitchell Hay played a spectacular knock, finishing unbeaten on 99 runs off 78 balls, with seven boundaries and seven sixes, ensuring New Zealand reached a challenging total. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
For Pakistan, Sufiyan Muqeem (2/33) and Mohammad Wasim (2/78) were the top bowlers, but they couldn’t stop the Kiwis from posting a sizeable total.
With the series already in their hands, New Zealand will now aim for a clean sweep when they face Pakistan in the final ODI on Saturday.