Blackcaps Ben Sears (C celebrates the wicket of Pakistan's Abdullah Shafique during the 3rd ODI cricket match between the Blackcaps and Pakistan at Bay Oval, Tauranga. 5 April 2025, © Copyright image by Marty Melville / www.photosport.nz Photo: Marty Melville
The Black Caps have closed out their home summer in style with a clean sweep of Pakistan in the ODI series.
New Zealand wrapped the season with a 43-run win at Mount Maunganui.
A blazing half century by skipper Michael Bracewell ensured his side a solid total after a wet outfield saw a delayed start and a reduction in overs from 50 to 42.
Ben Sears then ripped through the Pakistan lineup with a five wicket haul to cap a dominant Black Cap's performance.
New Zealand were sent in to bat and lost opener Nick Kelly early for three.
Rhys Mairu brought up his maiden half century off 55 balls in the 17th before Henry Nicholls sent one skyward to deep square leg.
Sufiyan Muqeem then had Mairu trapped in front for 58, Daryl Mitchell and Tim Seifert keeping things ticking along, combining for 61 until Naseem Shah broke the shackles, sending Seifert back to the sheds for 26.
Just as Mitchell was approaching fifty, he knicked behind for 43, Muhammad Abbas making just eleven as skipper Michael Bracewell began to plunder Pakistan.
His fourty ball stay included six sixes and one four before he held out on the final ball of the innings.
Pakistan made a strong start to their chase, after Imam-ul-Haq retired hurt when he copped a stray throw to the jaw, the first wicket coming with 73 on the board.
Abbas then removed Usman Khan to bring Pakistan's two premier batters together with 160 runs required.
However, Babar Azam would reach fifty then chip one straight to Seifert, Ben Sears snearing Salman Agha shortly after.
Jacob Duffy removed the dangerous Mohammed Rizwan for 37, ending any realistic hopes of heading home with a consolation win.
Sears took two in two and very nearly claimed a hat-trick with an LBW shout, leaving all hopes with Tayyab Tahir as Pakistan required 13 an over.
However, Duffy had him caught behind on 33, Sears then taking his fifth and the final wicket of the match.
A bizarre moment occurred in the 37th over with Duffy bowling to Tayyab Tahir, as when he released his delivery the ground's floodlights were cut, thankfully Tajir was able to get out of harm's way before the light was restored.
Catch up with how it went down here:
