Pakistan's tour of New Zealand ended on a sour note. Rain affected the third ODI, resulting in another defeat for Pakistan. New Zealand secured a 43-run victory, claiming a 3-0 series sweep.
Sports News: New Zealand delivered a dominant performance, completing a clean sweep against Pakistan in the ODI series. In the third and final ODI, the Kiwis defeated Pakistan by 43 runs to win the series 3-0. Rain reduced the match to 42 overs per side. New Zealand, batting first, scored 264/8 in their allotted 42 overs.
In response, Pakistan was bowled out for 221 in 40 overs. Captain Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 50 runs, including four fours and a six.
Rain-Affected Match, Yet Kiwi Planning Remains Strong
While the weather shortened the third and final ODI, New Zealand's strategy remained flawless. The match was reduced to 42 overs per innings. New Zealand posted a b total of 264 runs batting first. A crucial partnership came from Rachin Ravindra (58 runs) and captain Michael Bracewell (59 runs). For Pakistan, Aaqib Javed was the most successful bowler, taking 4 wickets. Naseem Shah took 2 wickets.
Babar's Half-Century Goes in Vain
Chasing the target, Pakistan's innings started steadily, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Captain Babar Azam played a composed 50-run innings, including four fours and a six, but other batsmen failed to sustain the momentum. Mohammad Rizwan scored 37, and Abdullah Shafique and Tayyab Tahir both contributed 33 runs, but the team was all out for 221 in 40 overs.
For New Zealand, Ben Sears bowled exceptionally well, taking 5 wickets for 34 runs in 9 overs. Jacob Duffy claimed 2 wickets, while other bowlers took one wicket each.
ODI Series Summary
First ODI: New Zealand won by 73 runs
Second ODI: Pakistan lost by 84 runs
Third ODI: New Zealand won by 43 runs
Defeat in T20 Series as Well
It's noteworthy that Pakistan had previously lost the T20 series 4-1. While they fielded young players in the T20s, even with senior players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan in the ODI squad, the team couldn't regain form. Following consecutive defeats in both formats, questions are now being raised about the Pakistan Cricket Board and selection committee's strategy.
