Rhys Mariu notched his first international half-century on Saturday, steering New Zealand to a solid 264-8 in a rain-trimmed 42-over third ODI against Pakistan at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval.
Captain Michael Bracewell chipped in with a brisk 59, bolstering the hosts’ push for a series whitewash. A soggy outfield delayed play by nearly two hours, but New Zealand made the most of the shortened game.
A maiden fifty for Rhys Mariu and a quick one from captain Michael Bracewell at the finish as New Zealand get to 264 for 8 in their 42 overs… will they sweep the series 3-0?
▶️ https://t.co/LueW2Vwm34 #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/cfYxNRYMGw
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 5, 2025Mariu, in just his second ODI, crafted a steady 58 off 61 balls, laced with six fours and two sixes. Middle-order batsmen flickered but faded until Bracewell’s late fireworks 59 off 40 balls, with six sixes, lit up the finish. He fell to Akif Javed’s final delivery, who grabbed 4-62 in eight overs. Naseem Shah stole the bowling spotlight with 2-54, his pace and swing troubling the Kiwis.
An electric 59 from 40 balls, including 1 four and 6 sixes, from Michael Bracewell to finish off the innings at Bay Oval! Earlier contributions from Rhys Mariu with his maiden international half-century (58) and Daryl Mitchell (43). Follow the second innings LIVE and free in NZ… pic.twitter.com/y87v80trH6
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) April 5, 2025Pakistan Faces Uphill Battle
New Zealand’s total sets a steep chase for Pakistan, who’ve struggled this tour. After a 4-1 T20 series loss, they dropped the first ODI in Napier by 73 runs and the second in Hamilton by 84 runs. Now, they’ll aim to claw back pride in this showdown. Mariu’s rise and Bracewell’s blast keep the hosts in the driver’s seat.
Read: New Zealand Clinches ODI Series with 84-Run Win Over Pakistan
