Ben Sears grabbed five wickets in back-to-back matches as New Zealand’s second-string side thrashed Pakistan 3-0 in the ODI series.
The match was already leaning heavily in New Zealand’s favor, but all eyes were on Ben Sears and whether he could repeat his five-wicket feat. On the final ball of his spell, he did just that—claiming Pakistan’s last wicket and celebrating a rare achievement. His teammates rallied around him, turning yet another New Zealand victory into a moment of personal glory.
Sears made history by becoming the first New Zealand bowler to take consecutive five-wicket hauls in ODIs. His final spell helped New Zealand beat Pakistan by 43 runs in the last ODI and seal the series 3-0.
It’s worth noting that several first-choice New Zealand players, including the regular captain, were unavailable—some playing in the IPL, others sidelined by injuries. This team was considered by many as a third-string side, or at best, a second-tier squad. Even so, they stunned Pakistan, winning the T20I series 4-1 before completing a clean sweep in the ODIs.
The rain-affected final match in Mount Maunganui was reduced to 42 overs per side. New Zealand posted a competitive 264/8, while Pakistan fell short, bowled out for 221 in 40 overs.
Michael Bracewell, who led the side with poise throughout the series, played another vital role. He smashed a quickfire half-century, took a wicket, and pulled off a stunning catch—earning him the Player of the Match award.
Despite not playing the first ODI, Ben Sears was named Player of the Series for his back-to-back five-wicket hauls. Before this series, he had played just one ODI. At 27, the pacer has already written himself into the record books.
Another young talent who impressed was opener Rhys Mariu, playing only his second ODI. He contributed a well-made 58, forming a crucial 78-run partnership with Henry Nicholls after Nick Kelly fell early for 3.
Nicholls, who had poor outings in the earlier matches, chipped in with 31. Mariu’s 58 came off 61 balls and was his maiden international fifty.
Later, Daryl Mitchell (43) and Tim Seifert (26) added another 50-run stand, though neither could convert it into a big innings. Playing his first ODI in six years, Seifert showed glimpses of his class. Mitchell too looked solid before getting out.
As the innings slowed down, Bracewell took charge. Batting with the tail, he blasted 59 off just 40 balls, including six sixes, to push the total past 260.
Among Pakistan’s bowlers, Akif Javed was a standout. Playing just his third ODI, the left-arm pacer picked up 4 wickets for 62 runs.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a rough start. Imam-ul-Haq had to retire hurt early after taking a blow to the jaw while running between the wickets.
Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam tried to steady the innings with a 68-run partnership, but it came at a slow pace—taking 83 balls. Sears broke through, removing Shafique who had labored to 33 off 56 balls.
Usman Khan, who replaced Imam under the concussion protocol, was dismissed for 12 by a sensational catch from Bracewell.
From there, Pakistan never quite recovered. Babar brought up his half-century (50 off 58) but threw his wicket away soon after. Mohammad Rizwan looked sharp but fell for 37 off 32, and Tayyab Tahir’s brisk 33 off 31 wasn’t enough.
Sears returned at the death to clean up the tail, dismissing Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim off consecutive balls to take his fourth and fifth wickets. On the final delivery of his spell, he bowled Sufiyan Muqeem to complete the five-wicket haul and cap off a dominant series.
Match Summary:
- New Zealand: 264/8 in 42 overs
(Mariu 58, Bracewell 59, Mitchell 43, Akif 4/62) - Pakistan: 221 all out in 40 overs
(Babar 50, Rizwan 37, Sears 5/34)
Result: New Zealand won by 43 runs
Series: New Zealand win 3-0
Player of the Match: Michael Bracewell
Player of the Series: Ben Sears
