Key Highlights:
New Zealand vs Pakistan 3rd ODI Coverage: New Zealand posted a competitive 264/8 in 42 overs in the ongoing ODI against Pakistan, after being sent in to bat first. The match, shortened to 42 overs per side, saw solid contributions from Michael Bracewell (59 off 40) and Rhys Mariu (58 off 61), while Pakistan pacer Akif Javed starred with 4 wickets.
New Zealand Innings Highlights
Sent in to bat after Pakistan won the toss, New Zealand started cautiously but recovered to post a strong total thanks to some explosive hitting from their middle order.
- Rhys Mariu laid the foundation with a steady 58 off 61 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes.
- Michael Bracewell, leading the side, smashed a quickfire 59 off 40 balls with 1 four and 6 sixes, giving the innings late momentum.
- Other useful contributions came from Daryl Mitchell (43 off 53) and Henry Nicholls (31 off 40).
Despite a few partnerships, New Zealand kept losing wickets at regular intervals, ending on 264/8.
Pakistan Bowling Performance
Pakistan’s bowling unit showed both aggression and discipline in patches, with Akif Javed emerging as the pick of the bowlers:
- Akif Javed: 8 overs, 62 runs, 4 wickets
- Naseem Shah: 9 overs, 54 runs, 2 wickets
- Faheem Ashraf and Sufiyan Muqeem picked up one wicket each
- Spinner Salman Ali Agha was economical, conceding just 16 runs in 3 overs
The most impressive spells came during the middle overs, where Pakistan pegged back the Kiwis just when they looked to accelerate.
Pakistan Begin Chase Cautiously
Chasing 265, Pakistan were 5/0 in 2.3 overs at last update, with openers Abdullah Shafique (3 off 8) and Imam-ul-Haq (1 off 7) at the crease.
- Will O’Rourke and Jacob Duffy opened the bowling for New Zealand, each delivering tight overs with no success so far.
- The match remains finely poised with Pakistan needing 260 runs in 39.3 overs.
Fall of Wickets – New Zealand Innings
- 13/1 – Nick Kelly (2.6 ov)
- 91/2 – Henry Nicholls (17.1 ov)
- 103/3 – Rhys Mariu (20.2 ov)
- 164/4 – Tim Seifert (31.1 ov)
- 186/5 – Daryl Mitchell (34.2 ov)
- 211/6 – Muhammad Abbas (37.2 ov)
- 244/7 – Mitchell Hay (40.2 ov)
- 264/8 – Michael Bracewell (41.6 ov)
Match Summary (as of 2.3 overs):
- New Zealand: 264/8 (42 overs)
- Top Scorer: Michael Bracewell – 59 (40)
- Best Bowler: Akif Javed – 4/62 (8 overs)
- Pakistan: 5/0 (2.3 overs)
- Target: 265
- Required Rate: 6.71 RPO
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