Ben Sears's Fifer Paves the Way for NZ's Series Sweep

Ben Sears's impressive fifer helped New Zealand secure a comfortable 43-run win over Pakistan at the Bay Oval, concluding the limited-overs series with a 3-0 victory.

Rhys Mariu led the way with a half-century, followed by a 78-run stand with Henry Nicholls. Daryl Mitchell and Tim Seifert added another half-century partnership, but Pakistan's double burst broke the momentum. Michael Bracewell provided the late flourish, cracking six sixes in his 40-ball stay.

Pakistan's innings never gained momentum, with Imam ul Haq retiring hurt after being hit on the jaw. Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique made a steady start, but the slowish nature of their partnership had already crept up the required rate. Usman Khan and Babar Azam too found their way back to the pavilion, and Pakistan slid from 97 for 1 to 176 for 6 in 73 balls.

Naseem Shah and Tayyab Tahir tried to provide late acceleration, but by then, the required rate had slipped out of their reach. Sears returned to the attack and snared three of the last four wickets to bundle out Pakistan for 221.

Brief Scores

New Zealand 264/8 in 42 overs (Rhys Mariu 58, Michael Bracewell 59) beat Pakistan 221 in 40 overs (Babar Azam 50) by 43 runs.