Sat Apr 05 07:00:00 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Posts Competitive 264-8 Against Pakistan in Rain-Shortened ODI

**MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand** – New Zealand set Pakistan a challenging target of 264-8 in a rain-affected third ODI at Bay Oval on Saturday. The match, reduced to 42 overs per side due to a wet outfield, saw impressive performances from several Kiwi batsmen.

Opener Rhys Mariu celebrated his maiden ODI half-century, scoring 58 from 61 balls in just his second international match. Daryl Mitchell reached a significant milestone, surpassing 2,000 ODI runs with a 43-run contribution, bringing his career total to 2,041 runs at an average of 49.7. Captain Michael Bracewell provided a strong finish, smashing 59 runs off 40 balls, including six sixes, to propel New Zealand to a competitive total in the final overs.

Pakistan, who won the toss and elected to bowl for the third consecutive time in the series, were unable to replicate their success from previous matches, which New Zealand won convincingly. The damp pitch, caused by days of rain, delayed the start of play by 90 minutes. Despite some early wickets, New Zealand built partnerships throughout their innings, with notable contributions from Henry Nicholls and Tim Seifert. Sufiyan Muqeem was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, claiming the key wicket of Mariu.

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