Mount Maunganui, New Zealand: New Zealand posted a competitive total of 264 for 8 in the third ODI against Pakistan on Saturday, thanks to spirited half-centuries from Rhys Mariu and Michael Bracewell, along with a milestone moment for Daryl Mitchell, who surpassed 2,000 ODI runs during his innings.
The match at Bay Oval was reduced to 42 overs per side after a wet outfield delayed the start by 90 minutes.
🌧️ Rain Delay and Toss Advantage Missed Again by Pakistan
For the third consecutive time in the series, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first. However, the decision once again backfired as New Zealand’s batting unit capitalized late in the innings. The pitch, covered for two days due to rain, offered some early assistance to bowlers but flattened out as the match progressed.
🏏 Rhys Mariu’s Maiden ODI Fifty
Young opener Rhys Mariu impressed with a fluent 58 off 61 balls, registering his maiden half-century in just his second ODI appearance. After losing his opening partner Nick Kelly early for 3, Mariu stabilized the innings by putting up a 74-run partnership with Henry Nicholls for the second wicket.
Mariu’s promising knock came to an end in the 18th over, trapped LBW by Sufiyan Muqeem, who deceived him with a beautifully flighted delivery.
📈 Mitchell Crosses 2,000 ODI Runs
Daryl Mitchell, who began the game on 1,998 career runs, crossed the 2,000-run milestone during his innings of 43 from 47 deliveries. He also shared a useful 61-run stand with Tim Seifert, helping New Zealand build a strong platform at the halfway mark (109-3 in 21 overs).
💥 Bracewell’s Late Onslaught Changes the Game
The standout of the latter innings was Captain Michael Bracewell, who played a commanding knock of 59 off just 40 balls, smashing six sixes and driving New Zealand’s total upward. Bracewell led a late surge, scoring 99 runs in the last 19 overs, providing a much-needed boost after Pakistan bowlers had earlier kept the run rate under control.
Bracewell’s acceleration ensured that New Zealand ended with a highly competitive total of 264, especially considering the rain-reduced nature of the match.
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Bowling Highlights
- Sufiyan Muqeem impressed with his wrist spin, picking up 2 wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Mariu.
- The rest of the Pakistani bowling unit, while disciplined early, struggled to contain runs in the death overs, especially against Bracewell.
📊 Match Summary: 3rd ODI – New Zealand vs Pakistan
- New Zealand: 264/8 (42 overs)
- Mariu 58 (61), Bracewell 59 (40), Mitchell 43 (47)
- Muqeem 2/47
- Match Condition: Rain-shortened to 42 overs per side
- Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
🧠 Added Value: Key Talking Points
- Future Star in the Making? Rhys Mariu has shown exceptional poise and shot selection at the top of the order. His calm under pressure could make him a mainstay in the Black Caps lineup.
- Bracewell’s Versatility: As both captain and power-hitter, Bracewell continues to prove his utility in ODIs.
- Pakistan’s Tactical Woes: Choosing to bowl first in all three matches hasn’t yielded results. Time to rethink their strategy?
