On April 5, 2025, New Zealand sealed a 43-run victory over Pakistan in the third and final ODI of their bilateral series, ending the contest with a clinical bowling performance that left Pakistan reeling at 221 all out in 40 overs. Chasing 265, Pakistan’s chase collapsed in the final ten overs, needing 44 runs off the last 12 balls when Sufiyan Muqeem was bowled by Ben Sears—the final blow in a devastating spell that sealed the match and the series. Michael Bracewell was named Player of the Match for his gritty 59 off 72 balls and a crucial wicket, but it was Sears who turned the tide, claiming 5 for 34 to earn Player of the Series honors. The game, played at an undisclosed venue in New Zealand, wasn’t just about runs and wickets—it was a statement of intent from a side rebuilding after a turbulent winter, and a sobering reminder for Pakistan’s top order under pressure.
How New Zealand Built Their Total
New Zealand’s innings was anything but pretty. They lost wickets at regular intervals, never settling into a rhythm until the final ten overs. Rhys Mariu top-scored with 58 off 61 balls, his strike rate of 95.08 the only real spark in a middle-order that sputtered. The fall of wickets told the story: 1-13, 2-91, 3-103—all early setbacks. Even when Tim Seifert and Daryl Mitchell tried to rebuild, Pakistan’s spinners, led by Akif Javed (4/62), kept the pressure on. Bracewell’s late cameo—59 off 72—was the difference. He didn’t just score; he accelerated. His final 20 runs came in just 11 balls, turning a modest 244 for 7 into a competitive 264 for 8. It wasn’t a big total, but it was enough.
Pakistan’s Collapse: From Hope to Heartbreak
Pakistan’s chase began with promise. Babar Azam looked in control, scoring 50 off 58, and Mohammad Rizwan added 37 in just 32 balls. But the moment Sears entered the attack, everything changed. His first over—fourth of the innings—cleaned up Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan. By the 30th over, Pakistan was 169 for 5. The momentum had shifted. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim tried to fight back, but Sears was unplayable. His 5-wicket haul included three clean bowled victims—none of them even got a bat on the ball. The crowd fell silent as the last pair, Muqeem and Tayyab Tahir, needed 21 off 15. Two dot balls. A single. Then, the final delivery: a low, seaming yorker. Tahir was bowled. The match was over.
Player of the Series: Ben Sears’ Quiet Dominance
While Bracewell got the spotlight on the day, Sears was the quiet architect of New Zealand’s series win. He took 13 wickets across three ODIs at an average of 14.8 and an economy rate of just 3.9. His consistency was remarkable—never more than 2 wickets in the first two games, then a five-wicket explosion in the finale. That’s not luck. That’s preparation. Sears, 26, has been a late bloomer in international cricket, but his ability to swing the ball both ways and bowl under pressure makes him a rare find. He didn’t celebrate wildly after his final wicket. He just nodded, turned to his captain, and walked back. That’s the New Zealand way.
Pakistan’s Reflections: Improvement, But Not Enough
After the match, Mohammad Rizwan spoke candidly. ‘They were better than the first two games,’ he said, ‘but still need to improve a lot.’ His words carried weight—not excuses, just truth. Pakistan’s top order, so reliant on Babar and Rizwan, failed again when it mattered. Only two players crossed 30 in the entire chase. And while Sufiyan Muqeem bowled well, the rest of the attack couldn’t match New Zealand’s depth. Rizwan praised New Zealand’s professionalism, noting how they’d been equally tough when touring Pakistan earlier in the season. ‘They don’t panic,’ he added. ‘That’s what separates them.’
What This Means for Both Teams
This series was more than just three games. It was a litmus test. For New Zealand, it confirmed their bowling spine—Sears, Duffy, and Bracewell—can hold up under pressure. It also gave young players like Mariu and Hay valuable exposure. For Pakistan, it exposed the same old issues: inconsistency in the middle order, over-reliance on Babar, and a lack of finishers. With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy looming, both teams need answers. New Zealand now looks like a dark horse. Pakistan? They’re still searching for their identity.
Behind the Numbers: The Stats That Mattered
- New Zealand’s total of 264/8 in 42 overs was their lowest in a winning ODI since 2022.
- Ben Sears’ 5/34 was his first five-wicket haul in ODIs and the best by a New Zealander against Pakistan since 2019.
- Pakistan’s run rate in the final 10 overs: 4.15—far below the 6.5 they needed.
- Akif Javed’s 4 wickets were the most by a Pakistani spinner in New Zealand since 2018.
- Michael Bracewell became the first New Zealand all-rounder to score 50+ and take a wicket in the same ODI since Trent Boult in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ben Sears named Player of the Series despite only taking 5 wickets in the final match?
Sears took 13 wickets across the three ODIs at an average of 14.8 and an economy rate of 3.9, making him the most consistent bowler in the series. His figures in the first two matches—4 for 41 and 4 for 52—laid the foundation. The final five-wicket haul was the culmination, not the start. That kind of sustained pressure is rare and decisive in modern ODI cricket.
How did New Zealand’s bowling attack compare to Pakistan’s in this series?
New Zealand’s attack was deeper and more varied. Sears, Duffy, and Bracewell all took 5+ wickets each, while Pakistan relied heavily on Akif Javed (8 wickets) and Naseem Shah (6 wickets). The rest of Pakistan’s bowlers conceded over 6 runs per over on average, while New Zealand’s top three bowlers maintained an economy under 4.5. Depth and discipline won the series.
What does this result mean for Pakistan’s chances in the 2025 Champions Trophy?
It’s a red flag. Pakistan’s top order remains fragile under pressure, and their middle order lacks finishers. Against stronger teams like India or Australia, this collapse pattern could be fatal. They need a new No. 4 and a death bowler who can bowl yorkers consistently. Without changes, they risk being eliminated early despite their T20 prowess.
Why did New Zealand bat for 42 overs instead of 50?
They lost their final wicket with 18 balls remaining, meaning they didn’t face the full 50 overs. It’s common in ODIs when the last wicket falls before the innings ends. Their total of 264 was still competitive because Pakistan’s chase was so sluggish—only 221 in 40 overs, a run rate of 5.5, far below the required 6.6.
Who are the key players New Zealand should rely on going forward?
Ben Sears is now their go-to fast bowler. Michael Bracewell has emerged as a reliable finisher and all-rounder. Rhys Mariu showed promise with the bat, and Tim Seifert’s aggressive style could be key in high-pressure chases. With Trent Boult nearing retirement, this group represents the new core of New Zealand’s ODI team.
Was this series part of any global rankings or qualification process?
Yes. Each ODI win contributes to the ICC ODI Team Rankings. New Zealand gained 11 points from this series win, moving them to 6th in the rankings, while Pakistan dropped 4 points, falling to 9th. That’s significant ahead of the Champions Trophy, where top-8 teams get direct entry. Pakistan now needs strong results against South Africa and Sri Lanka to avoid a play-in match.