New Zealand Clinch Series Against Pakistan, Eye Whitewash In Final ODI

New Zealand secured the series against Pakistan with an emphatic 84-run victory in Hamilton on Wednesday. The Kiwis will now head to Mount Maunganui for the final ODI on Saturday, aiming for a clean sweep. The hero of the second innings for them was Ben Sears, who delivered a stunning performance, claiming a five-wicket haul in just his third ODI. After going wicketless in his first two games, Sears emerged as the standout bowler, leading New Zealand to victory with figures of 5/59.

Chasing a target of 293, Pakistan suffered an early collapse. Will O'Rourke struck first, dismissing Abdullah Shafique for just a single. Soon after, Babar Azam followed, falling to Jacob Duffy for 1. Imam-ul-Haq also perished to Duffy, leaving Pakistan reeling at 9/3 in just 5.3 overs.

Things only got worse as Salman Agha (9) departed, making it 31/4 in 11.1 overs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan failed to anchor the innings, managing 5 runs off 27 deliveries before being dismissed.

Tayyab Tahir (13) fell to Nathan Smith, while Mohammad Wasim (1) became Sears' victim. Akif Javed was later removed by Duffy, giving the pacer his third wicket.

Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah provided some resistance, stitching together a 60-run partnership. Ashraf played a counter-attacking knock of 73 off 80 balls, while Naseem Shah contributed a fighting 51 off 44. However, it wasn't enough to rescue Pakistan from the damage inflicted by New Zealand's bowlers.

Sears led the charge with 5/59, while Duffy claimed 3/35. Will O'Rourke and Nathan Smith picked up a wicket each as Pakistan were bundled out, handing New Zealand a commanding win.

Earlier, New Zealand put up a strong batting performance, finishing with 292/8. Openers Rhys Mariu (18) and Nick Kelly (31) provided