New Zealand vs Pakistan Pakistan in New Zealand, 3 ODI Series, 2025

OUT! Akif Javed finishes with a four-fer! He takes pace off again, short of length and outside off. Michael Bracewell tries to cut but gets a top edge behind short third. Naseem Shah runs backwards, keeps his eyes under the swirling ball and takes a fantastic catch diving forward. New Zealand ends up with 264/8!

A slower bouncer, outside off, Michael Bracewell swings at it but fails to connect.

SIX! BOOM! Salt to the wounds! Akif Javed bangs this short and on middle, sits up nicely for the batter. Michael Bracewell stands tall and smacks it over the wide long on fence for half a dozen runs.

DROPPED! This could be costly for Pakistan! Fuller one and on middle, Michael Bracewell looks to slog it away to the leg side but gets a top edge. Tayyab Tahir at extra covers tries to settle under it and reverse cup but spills it out.

SIX! FIFTY FOR BRACEWELL! He gets to it with a bang as well! A captain's knock and he has been superb in this series. Back of a length and on middle. Michael Bracewell picks up the length early and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Put down! A tough chance, though! Short of a length and on off, Ben Sears slaps it down the pitch. Akif Javed fails to react quickly as the ball hits his left hand and deflects towards covers. A single is taken.

Akif Javed will bowl the final over.

Short again and on middle, Ben Sears pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

A low full toss, outside off, Michael Bracewell drills it to sweeper covers for a single. 250 up for New Zealand!

Back of a length and on off, Michael Bracewell looks to pull but gets a top edge over the bowler's head. The batters get two again as the fielder from long off is a bit late to get to the ball.

Sloppy! Short of a length and outside off, Ben Sears punches it towards covers. Akif Javed tries to slide and stop it with his foot but lets it through and allows three runs. Also, Michael Bracewell is back on strike.

Ben Sears comes out to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Faheem Ashraf strikes! He bangs this one hard into the pitch, slower as well. Mitchell Hay backs away and tries to swat it away but fails to get on top of the bounce. It flies off the top edge straight down to the throat of Babar Azam at long on, who makes no mistake. New Zealand are 244/7!

Pakistan have been penalised for not completing the overs in time, and now they will have to call an extra fielder back in the circle for the last two overs. Good effort in the deep! Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Hay pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket. Salman Agha runs to his right and dives to push it back inside just in time. Two runs taken.

Short of a length and outside off, takes off, Michael Bracewell tries to cut but gets a top edge over short third for a brace.

That was a pretty wayward ball from Akif Javed.

NO BALL AND FOUR! What happened there? Akif Javed loses his grip and bowls a full toss over the head of the batter and down the leg side. Michael Bracewell lets it go and Mohammad Rizwan also fails to stop it from going to the fine leg fence for a boundary. Free Hit up next...

Fuller and on off, Mitchell Hay drills it hard down the pitch where it hits Javed's left foot and rolls to long off. They cross.

Pitched up and outside off again, Michael Bracewell throws the kitchen sink at it, gets a top edge that just goes over point. Two runs taken.

Slower one, full and outside off, Michael Bracewell slices it wide of long off for a brace.

Akif Javed bowls a perfect yorker, on middle, angling in, Michael Bracewell just about manages to dig it out.

Pace off, back of a length and on middle, Mitchell Hay pats it towards mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Into the crowd! Naseem Shah misses his yorker and bowls this right in the slot, on middle. Michael Bracewell stays deep inside his crease, gets under it and dispatches it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Fuller and on middle, Mitchell Hay drives it to mid off for one.

A bouncer but down the leg side, Mitchell Hay leaves it alone. Wided.

Naseem Shah follows the batter and hits the length hard, outside off. Michael Bracewell thinks about the scoop but has to adjust and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Slower again, back of length and on leg, Mitchell Hay looks to pull but it lobs up off his forearm towards point. A leg bye is taken.

Tries the slower bouncer, but this is down the leg side, Mitchell Hay lets it go. Wided.

Fires in a yorker, on off, Michael Bracewell digs it out towards mid off for a single.

Short of a length and on middle and off, Michael Bracewell flat-bats it wide of long on for a brace.

Hard length and on off, Mitchell Hay steers it through point for a brace.

Bangs this into the pitch, outside off, Michael Bracewell slaps it on the bounce to long off for one.

Slower one, full and on off, Michael Bracewell swings hard at it but gets an inisd edge on his pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Hay swats it to square leg for a single.

Loses his line completely and bowls it well outside off, almost out of the pitch, Mitchell Hay leaves it alone. Wided.

Mitchell Hay comes out to bat now.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Akif Javed gets his third now! He serves this full and well outside off. Muhammad Abbas tries to reach out for it and slashes hard but only manages a thin bottom edge behind where Mohammad Rizwan makes no mistake. New Zealand six down now!

Back of a length and outside off, Muhammad Abbas looks to heave it away but gets a bottom edge back towards the keeper.

A low full toss, on middle, Muhammad Abbas swipes it off the inside half of the bat to shot fine for one. Just 4 runs off the over!

Bangs it into the pitch, on middle, Muhammad Abbas backs away and swats it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Clever bowling! Naseem Shah takes pace off again, short of a length and on leg, Muhammad Abbas fails to read it and misses his pull.

Right in the blockhole, on middle, Michael Bracewell jams it out towards long off for a single.

Nice change of pace, back of a length and outside off, Michael Bracewell looks to pull it away but goes through it early and misses.

Naseem Shah nails the yorker, just on off, Michael Bracewell fails to dig it out. Shah appeals for a caught behind, but no one is interested other than him.

Naseem Shah (7-0-37-2) comes back into the attack.

Good reply! Mohammad Wasim hits the length hard, on off, nips back in sharply, Muhammad Abbas looks to guide it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

SIX! BANG! That's sheer power! Fuller one and on middle, in the slot as well. Muhammad Abbas clears his front leg away and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Back of a length and on off, Muhammad Abbas looks to pull it away but mistimes it towards mid-wicket. He missed out there.

Slower one, on a length and on off, Michael Bracewell tucks it to the leg side for a run.

Fuller one and angling into leg, Michael Bracewell looks to whip it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Hard length and on leg, Muhammad Abbas flicks it through square leg for a single. 200 UP FOR THE KIWIS!

Mohammad Wasim will continue from this end.

SIX! Brute force! 18 runs come off this over despite a wicket! Short again, on off, Michael Bracewell stands tall and thumps it over long on for consecutive sixes.

SIX! Michael Bracewell showing his class! Akif Javed bashes the deck, angles the short one, on middle and leg, Michael Bracewell pulls it over fine leg for a six.

Back of a length, over off, Muhammad Abbas miscues the cut but manages to squeeze a single as the ball goes in front of cover.

Almost another one! Similar line but gets a bit more bounce and shape that leaves the batter from outside off. Muhammad Abbas has a poke at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Muhammad Abbas walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The bowling change works wonders for Pakistan, and New Zealand lose half their side now for 186 runs. Akif Javed bangs the deck, on a back of a length and keeps the line of attack, outside off. Daryl Mitchell gets on top of his toes and looks to punch it through the off side but only manages to get a thick outside edge that goes straight to the keeper, Mohammad Rizwan.

The bowling has been pretty disciplined so far from the bowlers of Pakistan.

WIDE! Way too short and over off.

FOUR! A hostile welcome back into the attack for Akif Javed! Back of a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell opens the bat face and runs it past short third to his right for a boundary.

Powerplay Three! Now, Pakistan can have one extra fielder out of the circle. Also, change from both ends as Akif Javed comes back into the attack.

Short of a length, on off, Bracewell punches it to cover.

SIX! Picked up and dispatched! Angling in, around leg, on a back of a length, Michael Bracewell whips it behind and clears deep fine leg fence for a biggie.

Keeps it at the stumps, on a length, blocked down the deck by Bracewell.

WIDE! Angling in but down leg, on a length. Mohammad Wasim will have to reload that one.

Very full, on the feet of the batter, Daryl Mitchell flicks it straight to short fine leg and Michael Bracewell calls him through for a quick run.

Good length, on middle, Michael Bracewell tucks it square on the leg side for a single.

Slants it in, on a fuller length, on off, Michael Bracewell, with not much of feet movement, looks to push it through off and gets an inside edge back onto his pads.

Mohammad Wasim (6-0-30-0) is back on.

Full, on middle and leg, Michael Bracewell clips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Nicely done! Floated full, on off, Michael Bracewell pumps it over mid on and gets his first boundary.

Drops it a bit too short and on off, Bracewell punches it but cannot get it past mid off.

Much fuller, on off, Daryl Mitchell sweeps it behind to fine leg for one.

Full, on off, Michael Bracewell eases the drive to cover and picks up a single.

Full, on middle, Michael Bracewell drives it to point.

Full and on off, Michael Bracewell drives it to the right of the cover fielder who dives to make a stop. Keeps it down to just a single. End of a fine over from Naseem Shah! Just the one run and a wicket off it.

Much fuller, on the pads, Michael Bracewell tries to flick but misses onto his pads.

Fuller and on middle and leg, Michael Bracewell tucks it to mid-wicket.

Attacking the stumps, on a fuller length, Bracewell pushes it back to the bowler.

On a length, on middle, Michael Bracewell turns it to mid-wicket.

Michael Bracewell is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Pakistan get a timely wicket, and New Zealand lose their 4th one. Naseem Shah bowls it on a length, on middle and off, Tim Seifert swings across in an attempt to heave but does so a bit too early. Hits it off the lower half of the bat and gets more elevation than the distance. Tayyab Tahir at deep mid-wicket keeps his eyes on the ball and, with precise judgement, stays inches within the rope to take a fine reverse cup catch.

Slower through the air, full and outside off, Daryl Mitchell swings but misses out.

Drags the length down, on off, Daryl Mitchell punches it to cover.

Full, on middle, Daryl Mitchell shuffles across and ramps it over the keeper's head for a couple more runs.

FOUR! Daryl Mitchell is switching gears! Full and on middle, he slogs it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

In the air, but falls safe. A bit more flight, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell looks to sweep it. Gets a top edge that falls around the vacant deep square leg region for a couple of runs.

Tossed up, on middle and leg, turning in, Daryl Mitchell tries to tickle it fine but misses. The ball brushes his thigh and goes past the keeper to his left for a brace.

Full, at the toes, Daryl Mitchell works it to long on for a single.

Another yorker, this time at these stumps, Tim Seifert jams it to cover and takes a single. 50-run partnership is up between these two.

Slower yorker, just outside off, Tim Seifert tries to dig it out but misses to make a connection.

Too full, on off, Daryl Mitchell drives it to cover for a single.

Follows up with a hard-length delivery, on middle and off, Daryl Mitchell drops it down the deck.

SIX! Smoked! Naseem Shah comes back into the attack and goes short, on middle. Sits up nicely for Daryl Mitchell, who swivels back and pulls it over square leg for a biggie.

Tossed up, around off, Tim Seifert taps it to short third.

Full, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell tucks it in front of deep mid-wicket for a quick single.

Drops it short and turns it into the batter, on middle and leg, Tim Seifert rocks back and knocks it through covers for a run.

Goes full, on middle, Tim pushes it to mid off.

Loopy full toss, at the stumps, Daryl Mitchell scoops it to fine leg for a single.

Full and outside off, Tim Seifert punches it to deep cover for one.

Drinks! New Zealand are motoring along smoothly, laying a strong foundation to launch an aggressive finish. With plenty of batting depth, they have the firepower to push for a big total. Pakistan, meanwhile, have struggled to maintain consistency with the ball. Despite a decent effort, the lack of wickets has hurt them, allowing the Kiwis to dictate terms thus far. They’ll need quick breakthroughs to halt New Zealand’s acceleration that is on the cards and regain control.

A low full toss, outside off, Daryl Mitchell drills it back to the bowler who stops it on his follow-through.

Back of a length, around off, Mitchell pushes it to cover.

On a good length and outside off, Tim Seifert clears out his front leg and lofts it over cover for a single. The skipper, Mohammad Rizwan, isn't happy with the effort of the fielder in the deep as he didn't go for the catch.

A good follow-up yorker, around middle, Daryl Mitchell manages to dig it out to deep fine leg for a single.

On a good length, around middle, nips back in sharply, Daryl Mitchell hops up and looks to drop it down to the leg side but misses and gets hit on the front pad.

Back of a length, around off, Daryl Mitchell pulls it off the back foot but straight to mid-wicket.

A low full toss, around off, Tim Seifert jams it out to backward point.

Full and into the pads, Daryl Mitchell goes on his knee and sweeps it to deep fine leg for one.

BEATEN! A bit quicker and on a nagging length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell looks to cut it but misses.

Floated it up, around off, Tim drives it to the left of mid off for a single.

Drops it short and around off, Tim Seifert goes back and cuts it hard but straight to cover point.

Tossed it up, outside off, Daryl Mitchell goes on his knee and looks to paddle it but gets an underedge to third man for a single.

Full and outside off, Darly punches it to deep cover for a single.

Nagging length, into the pads, Mitchell flicks it to mid-wicket.

A quick single! Lands it full and outside off, Tim Seifert drives it to the left of mid off and gets to the other end quickly.

Full and around middle, Mitchell drives it to the right of the bowler for a single.

Slightly fuller and outside off, Tim Seifert comes forward and drives it through covers for a single.

Back of a length and around off, Mitchell punches it to deep cover for a single.

Dragged length and around off, Tim Seifert makes room and cuts it towards sweeper cover. He picks up a couple of runs as the fielder in the deep is a bit slow to throw it to the keeper.

A loopy full ball, around off, Tim Seifert drills it back to the bowler.

Nagging length, around off, Daryl Mitchell comes forward and pushes it to long off for a single.

Floated it up, around off, Daryl drives it but straight to cover again.

Tossed it up, around off Mitchell drives it to cover.

Short and around off, Tim Seifert uses his feet and slashes it off the outer half of the bat aerially to deep backward point for a single.

Full and around off, Tim pushes it to long on for a single to end the over.

BEATEN! A good comeback by Wasim! He bowls it slightly fuller and in the channel outside off, gets to nip away a bit. Tim Seifert gets squared up as he looks to defend it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Hard length and well outside off, Tim Seifert lofts it inside out over cover but doesn't time it well. However, it goes over the cover fielder and he gets a couple of runs.

SIX! POWERED AWAY! Touch short and angling into the body of the batter, Tim Seifert goes back and pulls it hard over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

BEATEN! On a back of a length and outside off, gets a bit of an extra bounce as well, Tim Seifert looks to slash at it but misses.

On a good length and outside off, Daryl Mitchell moves across a bit and punches it to deep cover for a single.

BEATEN! Dragged length and touch outside off, Tim Seifert goes back to cut it but misses.

Flighted it up, around leg, Daryl Mitchell goes on his knee and paddles it to deep fine leg for a single.

Full and around middle, Mitchell nudges it to wide mid-wicket.

Floated it up, around middle, Tim Seifert looks to nudge it towards mid-wicket but gets a leading edge to backward point for a single.

BEATEN! Tossed it up and outside off, turns away, Tim Seifert leans on to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Drops it short and around off, Tim Seifert goes back and punches it to extra cover.

On a good length and on the pads, Tim turns it to deep square leg and takes a single.

FOUR! GLORIOUS! Faheem lands it full and around middle, Tim Seifert comes forward and shows the full face of the bat. He drives it to the right of the bowler down the ground for a boundary. Such a lovely shot!

Hard length and around off, Tim Seifert hops up and cuts it but off the bottom part of the bat towards cover.

Back of a length and touch outside off, Mitchell pushes it to deep cover for a single.

Nagging length, and around off, Daryl Mitchell looks to punch it to the off side but gets it off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

On a good length and into the stumps, Mitchell tucks it to mid-wicket.

Looped up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell eases it to long off for one.

FOUR! Nice shot! Dragged back and well outside off. Daryl Mitchell rocks back, uses the width on offer and cuts it through point for a boundary.

Flighted, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it out.

Short and on off, Tim Seifert punches it through covers for a run.

Tim Seifert comes out to bat now.

OUT! LBW! A massive shout for LBW, but turned down! Mohammad Rizwan is literally pleading with the umpire, as it looks really close, too. Pakistan take the review. This is floated, full and on middle and leg, turns in. Rhys Mariu goes down to sweep, but this is too full for that shot, and he misses to get hit on the pads. The only thing that can save him, if it is pitching outside leg. However, UltraEdge confirms that no bat is involved, and Ball Tracking comes up three reds! Another timely wicket for Pakistan as Mariu departs for 58 off 61. The Kiwis are three down now.

Tossed up, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell drives it to long off for a single.

Bangs it into the pitch, outside off, Rhys Mariu punches it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

HIts the length hard, on off, Daryl Mitchell pats it towards short covers for another run. 100 up for New Zealand!

On a length and on middle, angling in, Daryl Mitchell nudges it to mid-wicket.

Back of a length and on off, Daryl Mitchell stabs it in front of short covers.

Short of a length and outside off, Rhys Mariu cuts it through point for a single.

Fuller and on middle, Daryl Mitchell knocks it to mid on for a single. That brings up 2000 ODI RUNS for him!

Faheem Ashraf (2-0-11-0) comes back into the attack.

Quicker, full and on middle, Rhys Mariu stays back and blocks it out.

FOUR! Up and over! Flighted, full and on off. Rhys Mariu moves to the leg side early to create some room, reaches out for it and lofts it beautifully over extra covers for a boundary.

Flatter, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Slows it up, full and on leg, Daryl Mitchell turns it to the leg side.

Floated, full and on middle, Daryl Mitchell goes down to paddle it away but the ball goes off his gloves onto his body and drops on the off side.

Tossed up, full and on off, Rhys Mariu drives it through covers for a single.

MAIDEN-WICKET OVER! A fine yorker now, on off, Daryl Mitchell digs it out to the off side.

Hard length and on off, Daryl Mitchell pats it in front of short covers.

Short of a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell keeps it out on the pitch.

A bouncer, on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell ducks under it.

On a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell blocks it out.

Daryl Mitchell comes out to bat at number four.

OUT! TAKEN! Akif Javed gets the breakthrough for Pakistan! A much-needed one for the visitors as the big 78-run stand is broken now. This is a sharp and quick bouncer, on middle, takes off a bit. Henry Nicholls looks to pull it away but the ball gets big on him and takes the top edge. It flies high in the air towards deep square leg where Mohammad Wasim settles under it and takes a good catch. Nicholls walks back for 31 off 40, and New Zealand are 91/2!

Short and on off, Henry Nicholls punches it through covers for one.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls blocks it out.

MAIDEN ODI FIFTY FOR MARIU! An excellent knock from the youngster, and he has looked solid from the get-go here. This is a bit short and on off, Rhys Mariu steers it to short third and sets off for the run. He is not aware that the throw is at his end, but it misses the stumps, and he makes his ground.

Flighted, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls swipes it to short fine and scampers across for a run.

Floated, full and on off, Rhys Mariu gets down across and paddles it to fine leg for a single. He moves to 49 now!

Tossed up, full and on middle, Rhys Mariu taps it to short covers.

Sufiyan Muqeem comes into the attack now.

Hard length and on middle and leg, Rhys Mariu heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Pitched up and on leg, Rhys Mariu blocks it out.

Short again, on middle, Henry Nicholls pulls it away nicely to deep square leg for a run.

Back of a length but down the leg side, Henry Nicholls tries to hook it away but misses. Wided.

Short of a length and on off, Henry Nicholls dabs it to point.

Full again and on middle, Henry Nicholls drills it back to the bowler.

Edged but safe! Fuller and around off, angling away, Rhys Mariu looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge down to the left of third man for a single.

Fires one, full and on middle, Rhys Mariu tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Nicely done! Flighted, full and on off, Rhys Mariu quickly gets down on a knee and nails the reverse sweep through point for a boundary.

Drags his length back, outside off, Rhys Mariu punches it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

Flatter, short and on middle, Rhys Mariu pats it to the left of short mid-wicket.

Floated, short and around off, turns away Henry Nicholls cuts it to deep point for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls pushes it to short covers.

Drinks! Despite losing an early wicket, New Zealand have batted brilliantly, with both Rhys Mariu and Henry Nicholls going along nicely. They will look to extend this partnership and set up a base of the middle order to come in and post a big score. Pakistan are searching for wickets here, but they haven't been able to create many opportunities. They will hope that this break breaks the momentum of the batters, and they can capitalise on that to get a breakthrough.

A low full toss, outside off, Rhys Mariu makes no contact with the ball as he looks to drive. Will feel he missed on this one for sure.

Full and on the stumps, Henry Nicholls angles it to deep third for a run.

In the air again, and just short of the fielder! Too full and on middle and leg, Rhys Mariu flicks it uppishly to the right of mid on for one.

Full, on off, Rhys Mariu firms his drive but straight to mid off.

Good length, outside off, Henry Nicholls cuts it to deep point for one.

Good running between the wickets! Hard length, on off, Rhys Mariu nudges it in front of point and charges through for a quick run.

Akif Javed replaces Mohammad Wasim.

In the air, but falls safe. A lot of half-chances created by Salman Agha already! Short and on off, Rhys Mariu backs away to cut and gets a thick outside edge that lobs to the left of short third for one.

Full, on off, Rhys Mariu lunges to block.

Tossed up, around middle and off, Henry Nicholls drives it to deep point for one.

Short and on off, Henry Nicholls slaps it hard but straight to cover.

Full, on middle, Henry Nicholls pushes it to cover.

Looped full, on middle, Henry Nicholls gets a thick outside edge in an attempt to drive it straight and beats short third to his right for two.

Length, around off, Rhys Mariu miscues his drive to the left of the bowler.

Good length, on middle and off, Henry Nicholls works it through covers for one.

Hard length, on leg, Henry Nicholls hops back to block but misses onto his pads. There is an appeal for LBW by the bowler alone and the umpire turns it down.

Short and outside off, Rhys Mariu looks to cut but chops it down the deck and in front of backward point. Henry Nicholls calls him through for a quick single.

Attacks the stumps, on a good length and gets the ball to nip back in, Rhys Mariu just about manages to block it out.

Back of a length, on off, Rhys Mariu cuts it to backward point.

Full, on middle, Henry Nicholls taps it to mid on.

Almost a wicket! Floated full, on off, Henry Nicholls drives it uppishly but manages to keep it away from the leaping cover fielder to his left. Two runs taken.

Drifting away, from around off, Henry Nicholls tries to drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Keeps it short and on off, Rhys Mariu cuts it to deep backward point for a single. The 50-run stand is up between these two batters.

Floated full, on middle, Henry Nicholls lunges to block. Gets an inside edge to square leg for one.

Comes into the attack and goes full, on middle, Henry Nicholls knocks it to mid on.

Bashes the surface yet again, on a back of a length, on leg, Henry Nicholls fails to tuck it down. The ball clips his thigh pad and goes to the leg side. The batters take a leg bye.

Bangs the deck hard, on a short of a length, over leg, Henry Nicholls ducks under it.

Good length, on middle and off, Henry Nicholls neatly works it through covers for a brace.

Goes very full, on middle, Henry Nicholls jams it out.

FOUR! Just wide enough! Fuller and outside off, Henry Nicholls reaches out and cuts it past backward point to his right for a boundary.

Top delivery! On a length, outside off, Henry Nicholls moves across and looks to play it on the leg side but the ball shapes away and he gets beaten. The ball goes off the thigh pad and Mohammad Rizwan fails to grab it to his left with a dive.

Another one that moves away, from around off, Rhys Mariu leaves it alone. That will be the end of the first Powerplay!

FOUR! As good a shot can get! Good length, on off, shaping away, Rhys Mariu creams his drive through covers for a boundary.

Lovely ball! Short of a length, around off and shaping away with good bounce off the deck. Rhys Mariu looks to block but is beaten on the outside edge.

Angling into the pads, on a good length, Rhys Mariu tucks it to mid-wicket.

Hard length, at the stumps, Rhys Mariu keeps it out.

WIDE! On a length but going down leg. 50 runs up for New Zealand.

Beautiful shot! Fuller than a length and outside off, Henry Nicholls drives it past mid off. Mohammad Wasim from mid off chases the ball and slides to push it back in, saving a run for his side.

Length, on off, Rhys Mariu offers a solid front foot block.

On a length, at the stumps, Henry Nicholls tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

hard length, over middle and leg, zips through quicker and Henry Nicholls is cramped in for room. Gets hit high around the waist.

Good length, around off, Rhys Mariu works it to deep third for a single.

Short of a length, on middle, Henry Nicholls pulls it past square leg to his right. The ball loses steam around the boundary rope, and the fielder from mid-wicket chases it. Three runs taken.

Starts well, does Mohammad Wasim! Comes from around the wicket and angles it into middle and leg, on a fuller length, Henry Nicholls looks to tuck it across but gets beaten onto his pads.

Mohammad Wasim comes into the attack now.

FOUR! GLORIOUS! Full again and around off, this time, Rhys Mariu comes forward and creams his drive in the gap towards cover for another boundary.

FOUR! TOP SHOT! Slightly fuller and on the pads, tries to follow the batter. Rhys Mariu uses his feet and flicks it towards deep backward square leg. The fielder chases it though but the ball races away to the boundary.

BEATEN! Back of a length and outside off, swings away, Rhys Mariu looks to defend it but the ball zips past the outside edge by an inch.

Good fielding! Naseem lands it full and around off, Henry Nicholls leans on and drives it in the gap towards cover. Mohammad Wasim runs in from mid off and puts in a slide to save one run. The batters take three runs.

On a good length and wide outside off, Henry Nicholls doesn't offer any shot at it.

Full and around off, Henry comes forward and drives it to mid off.

Back of a length, around off, Mariu dabs it down towards cover point for no run.

Lands it full again and around off, Rhys Mariu takes out his front leg forward and drops it down to cover. He wants to have a single but is sent back by his partner.

Bowls it slightly fuller than the previous one, around middle, Rhys Mariu defends it off the back foot.

Nagging length, around off, Rhys Mariu pats it down into the pitch, and the ball rolls away back to the bowler.

Pitches it up, around off, Rhys Mariu comes forward and defends it right under his eyes.

SIX! EFFORTLESS! Faheem bowls it on the pads, on a full length, a gentle loosener. Rhys Mariu picks it up as he leans on and flicks it with soft hands. The ball sails over the deep square leg for a biggie.

In the air... but falls safe! On a hard length and around middle, Rhys Mariu looks to chip it in to the leg side but gets a top edge that goes wide of mid-wicket. The batters take a single.

Hits the deck hard with a short-of-a-length ball, around off, Rhys Mariu looks to defend it again but gets an outside edge that goes to the gully fielder on the bounce.

BEATEN! Back of a length and just outside off, Rhys Mariu gets squared up again as he looks to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! CRUNCHED! Slightly fuller and well outside off, Rhys Mariu gets width to open his arms as he slices it in the gap towards backward point for a boundary.

BEAUTY! On a hard length and in the channel outside off, Rhys Mariu gets squared up in trying to defend it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Nealy a chopped on! On a good length, around off, Rhys Mariu defends it with a straight but the ball rolls away under his bat and zips past the off stump.

Hard length, at hips, Henry Nicholls tucks it towards square leg and picks up a couple of runs.

Slightly fuller length and wide outside off, moving away from the batter, Henry Nicholls watches it but decides to not offer any shot at it.

Nagging length, around middle, Henry drops it down to mid on.

Touch fuller and just outside off, Henry Nicholls comes forward and drives it. He connects it well but the ball goes straight to the extra cover fielder.

WIDE! On a dragged length but down the leg side, swinging back into the left-handed batter, Henry Nicholls misses his tickle shot. Called a wide.

Leg bye! Lands it full and around middle, Rhys Mariu misses his flick shot and gets hit on the front pad. He gets a single for leg bye as the ball rolls away wide of square leg.

Begins with a yorker, around off, Rhys Mariu drils it towards mid off. Sufiyan Muqeem runs in to his left and slides to stop the ball but makes a fumble there which allows a couple of runs for the batters.

Henry Nicholls walks in at number 3 for New Zealand. After just one over from Akif Javed, Faheem Ashraf comes in as the first change, replacing him.

OUT! CAUGHT! A sharp catch has ended the short stay of Nick Kelly as he goes for 3(9) and New Zealand are 13/1. Naseem bowls it fuller and on the pads, gets it to swing back in, Nick Kelly lunges and flicks it. He connects it well, but towards short mid-wicket. Abdullah Shafique puts in a dive to his right there and picks it up just above the ground. The precise field placement has provided this early wicket for Pakistan.

Slightly fuller and around middle, Kelly blocks it out.

Overpitches it, around off, Nick Kelly leans on and drives it to the right of the bowler. Mohammad Wasim chases it down from mid off and cuts it off to restrict the batter for a couple of runs.

Nagging length, around off, Nick Kelly looks to defend it but gets an inside edge onto the front pad. The ball rolls away towards the point region.

A massive appeal for LBW by the bowler but is not given by the umpire! They aren't going for a review here! Naseem lands it full and around middle, swings it in, Nick Kelly misses his flick shot and gets hit on the front pad. Probably, going down leg.

Hard length, on top of off, Nick Kelly goes back and pats it down towards backward point.

Back of a length, around middle and leg, Kelly helps it on its way to deep fine leg for a single.

Swings it into the pads, on a full length, around leg, Kelly lunges and flicks it to mid-wicket.

Again a yorker, around off, Nick Kelly jams it out towards cover.

A yorker and well outside off, Rhys Mariu comes forward and opens bat face to slice it to wide deep third for a single.

WIDE! Sprays it down the leg side, slightly fuller, Rhys Mariu swings at it but misses. Called a wide.

Nagging length, around off, Rhys defends it to cover.

SIX! PUMPED! Rhys Mariu takes full advantage of the Free Hit now! Javed bowls it on a dragged length and around off, Mariu shuffles across to cover the line and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Starts with a good-length ball, into the pads, Rhys Mariu drops it down into the pitch off the front foot. Oh... No, Akif Javed has overstepped and a Free-Hit is coming!

Akif Javed to share the attack from the other end.

First run of the day! Back of a length and wide outside off, Rhys Mariu gets width to extend his arms as he slice it to wide deep third for a single to get off the mark.

BEATEN! Dragged length and outside off, seaming away, Rhys Mariu looks to drive it to the off side but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Goes fuller now and touch outside off, Rhys Mariu leans on to drive it but gets it through the inner half of the bat towards mid-wicket.

On a good length, around off, Rhys Mariu looks to defend it but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

BEAUTY! This is on that hard length and in the channel outside off, gets it to shape away after pitching. Rhys Mariu gets squared up as he looks to defend it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Begins with an outswinger, on a back of a length and well outside off, moves away, Rhys Mariu watches it carefully and leaves it alone.

In all readiness for the action to begin! The two umpires make their way out to the middle and are followed by Pakistan players who burst open off their final huddle and take the field. Rhys Mariu and Nick Kelly are the openers for New Zealand striding out. Naseem Shah has the new ball in hand and will start the proceedings. Away we go!

Tim Seifert is in for a chat. He says it's unfortunate when a teammate goes down, but he had to come in and is happy to have done well. Adds that there has been a lot of rain around and the pitch could be tricky but they will want to try and play well and backs his batters to do well. States that the depth in both batting and bowling is a great sign for New Zealand cricket.

PITCH REPORT - Craig McMillan is pitchside with Mark Richardson. He says that the wicket looks rolled well, and it will be dry and the ball will reach the keeper on a bounce. Mark says that the rain was here for a couple of days, and that can impact the wicket and how it will play in the second inning. Adds that the pace and bounce look good on it. Mentions that the conditions are pretty good with the sun out and the batters will enjoy batting here. Expecting a good score.

Now, let's take a look at the revised conditions! Due to all the time lost, it will be a 42-over-per-side match. Powerplay 1 will be from 1-9 overs, Over 10-34 will be the Second Powerplay, and 35-42 will be Powerplay 3. Two bowlers can bowl a maximum of nine overs and three bowlers can bowl upto eight overs.

Michael Bracewell, the captain of New Zealand, says that the pitch has been under cover for a couple of days, so he will want to see how it plays with the weather around. Mentions that they want to play the same way as they have played so far and, hopefully, get a win here also. States that the young players have done well in the whole tour and the strength of the team has been really good, and he is excited to play along with them. Tells that they want to finish this series on a high. Informs that Nathan Smith misses out, and Tim Seifert comes in.

Mohammad Rizwan, the skipper of Pakistan says that this is a different pitch and with it having some moisture they would want to extract early assistance. Adds that the tour has been tough and the conditions in New Zealand keep changing but they want to perform well in this game. Informs Naseem Shah comes in for Haris Rauf.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Nick Kelly, Rhys Mariu, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert (In place of Nathan Smith), Michael Bracewell (C), Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay (WK), Ben Sears, Jacob Duffy, Will O'Rourke.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah (In place of Haris Rauf), Sufiyan Muqeem, Akif Javed

TOSS - The coin once again lands in favour of Mohammad Rizwan and Pakistan have elected to BOWL first.

UPDATE - Good news, folks! The second inspection has convinced the umpires that the conditions and outfield are now fit to play. So, we have the official word on the times. Toss will be taking place at 11.15 pm GMT (Previous Day), and the match will start at 11.45 pm GMT (Previous Day).

UPDATE - The umpires are still not happy with the conditions and we will have to wait a little bit longer for this final game of the tour to get underway. There will be another inspection at 10.45 pm GMT (Previous Day). Stick with us for more news.

Jacob Duffy of New Zealand also shares a few words. He says that he has tried to increase his bowling speed because he knows lower 130s won't cut it at the international level. Adds that he knows he can't be a Lockie Ferguson but if he can bowl hight 130s and holds his shape, that will be effective for him. Mentions that it is all about bowling in partnership and they have good six-seven options. Ends by saying that Matt Henry is not here, but he has been a great leader for the attack.

Faheem Ashraf of Pakistan is in for a chat. He says he is happy to have performed well but it doesn't matter when the team doesn't win the game. Mentions that the conditions are tough this time around in New Zealand but that should never be an excuse being professional players. Adds that it's the movement that is the hardest to counter, rather than bounce and pace and concludes that the team is hoping to finish with a win.

UPDATE - 9.38 pm GMT (Previous Day) - If you are wondering why the toss hasn't happened yet, it is because it has been delayed. There was some rain earlier and there are some wet patches on the pitch and in the outfield as well. However, it is all clear now and the umpires will be have an inspection at 10 pm GMT (Previous Day). Stay with us for further news.

The pitch at Bay Oval is generally good for batting, but with overcast and cooler conditions, bowlers should find some movement, and the wind could assist the seamers. Given these conditions, both captains might prefer to bowl first to exploit early swing. Teams could also make a couple of changes, either to test their bench strength or to rest key players. Who will finish the series on a winning note? A thrilling contest awaits, so stay tuned as the toss and playing XI announcements are coming up shortly!

Pakistan’s tour has been nothing short of a nightmare, winning just one game out of seven and suffering six losses so far. While their T20I squad lacked senior players, their ODI team have experienced names but they still fell short in both first two matches. Their batting has been the biggest concern, failing to chase in both ODIs. Lower-order contributions from Faheem Ashraf and the concussion replacement Naseem Shah in the last match showed some fight, but it wasn’t enough to take them over the line. Their bowling also faltered in the final 10 overs, allowing Hay to dominate. With criticism mounting back home, especially after missing out on the ICC Champions Trophy qualification, Pakistan will be desperate for a win to salvage some respect.

Despite missing several key players due to their participation in the IPL, New Zealand have been clinical throughout the tour, with different players stepping up when needed. In the previous match, when their top order failed to provide a solid start, Mitchell Hay took charge, scoring a brilliant unbeaten 99 to ensure a competitive total. Their bowlers then dismantled Pakistan, reducing them to 114/8 at one stage, and ultimately won by 84 runs. With a well-balanced squad and momentum on their side, New Zealand will enter this game as clear favorites. Adding to their confidence is their recent head-to-head record; they have now beaten Pakistan in all of their last five ODI encounters since the Tri-Nation series that Pakistan hosted.

Hello and welcome to the third and final ODI of this series between New Zealand and Pakistan, set to take place at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. With New Zealand already securing the series 2-0, they will be looking for a clean sweep to assert their dominance, having also won the T20I series before this. On the other hand, Pakistan will be playing for pride, hoping to end the tour on a high with at least a win to give something to cheer about to their fans. Both teams have different points to prove, making this an exciting contest.

... MATCH DAY ... 

From Christchurch's brisk winds to Mount Maunganui's gentle shores, New Zealand's cricket domination has been nothing short of relentless. The scorecards tell a brutal tale, a 4-1 T20I drubbing followed by an ODI series clinched with clinical precision. What's remarkable isn't just that New Zealand wins against Pakistan, it's that they've mastered every possible way to do it in the recent past and in this tour. At home with familiar conditions. Away with hostile crowds. Full-strength squads delivering knockout blows. Second-string teams administering the same medicine. As players gather for the final showdown beneath Mount Maunganui's iconic peak, Pakistan must wonder if they're battling eleven cricketers or an entire cricket culture that's found their particular kryptonite. This journey has been a masterclass in dominance, delivered with that quintessential Kiwi modesty that somehow makes it sting even more. Under Michael Bracewell’s leadership, they have ticked all the boxes right. Introducing two new faces in the form of Nick Kelly and Rhys Mariu, both have showed flashes of brilliance with the bat and despite of getting depleted with Will Young and Mark Chapman's unavailability, their batting unit performed in unison. Fresh faces of Muhammad Abbas and Mitchell Hay too, have proved to be handy for New Zealand. Especially Abbas’ adaptation to the situation in both ODIs has been talked about, while Hay’s 99 rescued hosts from a trouble. In between decent hands from likes of Daryl Mitchell and Henry Nicholls have done the job. It’s like experience sandwiched between fresh energy, both complementing each other well. On the bowling front, that pace quad has been a nightmare for the opposition as all of them have added wickets in their tally with consistent showing. Pakistan's recent struggles in limited overs cricket have left them searching for redemption in this ODI. The experienced batting core of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has underperformed significantly, creating pressure throughout the lineup. When asked to chase in both previous matches, Pakistan's batting has appeared vulnerable and disorganized. Despite experimenting with various combinations, they've been unable to find a winning formula. There have been bright spots - Faheem Ashraf has provided valuable all-round contributions, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Wasim have delivered promising bowling performances. However, pace spearhead Haris Rauf continues to struggle with economy, conceding runs at an alarming rate. On top of it, Pakistan have been again penalised for a slow over rate offence, which marks the third occasion in their last four completed ODIs, also including their Champions Trophy match against New Zealand itself. With so many wrinkles to iron out, Pakistan aims to end this tour on a positive note. While the hosts New Zealand would be more than pleased to finish with a clean sweep.