MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand — Pakistan concluded its underwhelming tour of New Zealand on a disappointing note with a 43-run defeat in the third one-day international match Saturday. This latest defeat cemented a challenging series for the visiting team. Despite a valiant attempt to chase New Zealand’s score of 264-8, Pakistan was bowled out for 221 in a game shortened to 42 overs per side due to a wet outfield.
New Zealand’s fast bowler Ben Sears was a standout performer, claiming 5-34, marking his second consecutive five-wicket haul in the series. Pakistan showed promise in its run chase, despite a concerning injury to opener Imam-ul-Haq. Imam was forced to retire hurt after a throw to the stumps struck him on the head, lodging in the grill of his helmet as he attempted a quick single. He appeared disoriented from the impact and needed assistance to leave the field.
In the wake of Imam’s exit, Babar Azam took charge of Pakistan’s innings, scoring a half-century. He found support in Abdullah Shafique, who added 33, and Mohammad Rizwan, who managed 37 runs, taking Pakistan to a hopeful 95-1 at the midpoint. As they entered the climax of the innings with 10 overs to go, Pakistan was sitting at 167-4, comparable to New Zealand’s position of 165-4 at that stage. However, the hosts accelerated, gathering 99 runs in their final 10 overs, a target Pakistan failed to match.
Tayyab Tahir contributed with a brisk 33 from 31 balls, but after his dismissal in the 39th over, with the score at 218-9, Pakistan’s chances dimmed considerably. The visiting team had arrived in New Zealand with a goal to recuperate from a lackluster performance in the recent Champions Trophy they hosted and to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, they faced a tough challenge throughout the tour, losing the five-match T20 series 4-1 and the first two ODIs by wider margins of 73 and 84 runs.
Speaking after the match, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged the disappointing outcome but highlighted some positives, praising Babar Azam’s form and Sufiyan Muqeem’s efforts with the ball. “Obviously it was a disappointing series for us,” Rizwan said. “But if you look at the positives, Babar Azam is in very good touch. Looking at the bowling, Sufiyan Muqeem was the guy. You have to give credit to New Zealand in all departments. They have been in excellent form for the last few months and showed true professionalism.”
In contrast, New Zealand capitalized on their strong start, with contributions from opener Rhys Mariu and captain Michael Bracewell, who both scored half-centuries. Daryl Mitchell also marked a personal milestone, surpassing 2,000 runs in ODI cricket. Mariu notched his first half-century in just his second ODI, scoring 58 from 61 balls, while Bracewell concluded the innings strongly with 59 from 40 balls. Mitchell began the match with 1,998 runs and concluded with 2,041 runs from 52 matches, boasting an average of 49.7.