New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 43 runs in the third and final ODI to complete a 3-0 clean sweep in the series. The match was reduced to 42 overs a side due to weather conditions, with the hosts posting 264/8. Chasing 265 to avoid embarrassment, the Men in Green tried their best but fell short in the end.
Pakistan made a strong start to its chase despite a shocking injury to opener Imam-ul-Haq, who retired hurt in the third over after being struck in the head by a throw at the stumps.
Imam was attempting a quick single when a throw to the non-striker’s end lodged in the grill of his helmet. He was clearly dazed and struggled to stand steadily before being helped from the field. Babar Azam struck a fifty with the help of 4 fours and 1 six.
Mohammad Rizwan (37), Abdullah Shafique (33) and Tayyab Tahir (33) were among the runs. Pakistan were bowled out for 221 runs in 40 overs. For New Zealand, Ben Sears took 5 wickets.
Earlier, Rhys Mariu (58), Michael Bracewell (59) and Daryl Mitchell (43) took the team’s total to 264/8. Akif Javed claimed four wickets for Pakistan.
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