When New Zealand wrapped up the third One‑Day International against Pakistan with a 43‑run margin, the whole of Mount Maunganui felt the buzz. The clash took place on the 3rd ODI of the Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025Bay Oval at 3:30 am UTC, and it capped a clean‑sweep that left fans cheering and pundits scribbling notes.
Series Overview
New Zealand’s campaign had been a masterclass in using home advantage. After an 84‑run drubbing on April 2 and a 73‑run win on March 29, the final 42‑over innings was a textbook display of aggression and composure. The Black Caps posted 264 for 8, pacing the innings at 6.29 runs per over, while Pakistan faltered at 221 all out in just 40 overs.
What’s striking isn’t just the margin; it’s the way New Zealand accelerated in the last eight overs, stacking 83 runs in the Power‑Play 3. The middle order turned the tide, and the bowlers sealed the deal with disciplined lines that left the visitors struggling to build partnerships.
Match Summary: New Zealand vs Pakistan
The opening spell saw Pakistan lose early wickets, but a resilient partnership between Babar Azam and the lower order gave them a glimmer of hope. Still, the New Zealand attack—led by Michael Bracewell—kept the pressure ticking.
In reply, New Zealand’s top order, anchored by Daryl Mitchell, paced the innings, reaching 150 before the first wicket fell. Mitchell’s knack for timing inside the 40‑over window kept the run rate humming, and his shot selection reminded everyone why he’s the all‑time top scorer against Pakistan.
The final overs turned into a fireworks display. Haris Rauf tried to claw back a few runs for Pakistan, but the New Zealand death bowlers, especially Jordie Duffy and Wade O'Rourke, clipped the winning runs short, clinching the series.
Key Performers
- Daryl Mitchell – 683 career runs against Pakistan, averaging 48.78, with a highest of 129. His 68‑run knock in this match set the platform.
- Babar Azam – 1,138 runs in the head‑to‑head, averaging 47.41. A classy 57‑run effort this time, but not enough.
- Michael Bracewell – 11 wickets in the series, best figures 2‑38. His medium pace kept the Pakistani middle order in check.
- Haris Rauf – 17 wickets overall, best 4‑78. Though he claimed two wickets in the final, they came too late.
Beyond the star names, New Zealand’s bench players like Will Young and Tom Seifert chipped in valuable runs, while Nicholas Smith added an all‑rounder’s balance with a quick 30‑run cameo.
Historical Context
Pakistan still leads the overall ODI head‑to‑head record – 61 wins to New Zealand’s 57, with one tie and three no‑results. That’s a 51.26% win rate for the Pakistanis, compared to 47.9% for the Kiwis. Yet the last five encounters, all in 2025, have flipped the script. New Zealand has won each meeting, carving out a 5‑match streak that began on February 14 with a narrow five‑wicket victory.
The shift mirrors a broader trend in the Southern Hemisphere, where pitches have become more batting‑friendly, prompting teams to adapt quicker. New Zealand’s recent success in the Champions Trophy – a semifinal win over South Africa (362/6) and a narrow loss to India in the final – shows they’re riding a wave of confidence.
Reactions and Future Outlook
“We wanted to finish the series strong, and the lads delivered,” said Gary Stewart, New Zealand’s head coach, in the post‑match press conference. “The bowlers executed the plan, and the middle order kept the scoreboard ticking.”
Pakistan’s captain, Shadab Khan, was candid about the disappointment. “We gave ourselves chances early, but missed the big moments. The team will regroup during the upcoming break.”
Both squads now have a brief hiatus before their next commitments – New Zealand heads to a home T20 series against Australia, while Pakistan prepares for a home tri‑series involving Sri Lanka and England. The break provides an ideal window for coaching staff to fine‑tune strategies, especially in death‑over bowling where Pakistan fell short.
What’s Next?
For New Zealand, the next hurdle is the T20 clash against Australia in Hobart on April 20. If the Black Caps can translate their ODI momentum into the shorter format, they could cement themselves as the dominant force in the Southern summer.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will look to rebuild confidence ahead of the home series in May. With Babar Azam still in stellar form, a reshuffled pace attack could be the answer to narrowing the gap that New Zealand exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does New Zealand’s sweep affect their ICC rankings?
The 3‑0 victory boosts New Zealand’s ODI ranking points by roughly 15, nudging them closer to the top three. Experts say the clean sweep demonstrates depth in both batting and bowling, which the ICC algorithm rewards.
What were the standout moments of the third ODI?
Key moments included Mitchell’s aggressive 68, Bracewell’s tight spell that broke the partnership at 102/3, and the back‑to‑back boundaries in the final over that sealed the win. The Power‑Play 3 surge of 83 runs also turned the match decisively in New Zealand’s favour.
Why does Pakistan still lead the overall head‑to‑head record?
Pakistan’s early dominance in the 1990s and 2000s, combined with consistent performances on sub‑continental pitches, built a sizable lead. Although New Zealand has narrowed the gap in 2025, the historical tally still favours Pakistan.
Who are the emerging players to watch from New Zealand?
All‑rounder Nicholas Smith impressed with his ability to finish innings, while young pacer Will Young showed composure with the ball in the death overs.
What does the series outcome mean for Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures?
The loss highlights gaps in the middle order and death‑over bowling. Coaches are expected to rotate the pace attack and give more responsibility to emerging batsmen before the home tri‑series starts in May.