Pakistan vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI: Series shared after rain washout

The third and final ODI of the three-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand came to an anti-climatic end with rain forcing the match to be called-off.

The third and final ODI of the three-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand came to an anti-climatic end with rain forcing the match to be called-off. Rain halted the play with New Zealand 35/1 in 6.5 overs and after a lengthy delay, the ground was deemed unfit for the match to resume and the series ended at 1-1.

Shaheen Afridi had removed opener Colin Munro (0) in the first over of the innings to give Pakistan a perfect start in defense of 279. However, the pair of George Worker (18*) and Henry Nicholls (15*) seemed to have settled in before the rain forced the players off the field.

Pakistan gave themselves a bright chance of sealing a series win after Babar Azam’s 92 guided them to a challenging 279/8 in Dubai.

After opting to bat first in the series decider, Pakistan were powered by fifties from Azam (92), opener Fakhar Zaman (65) and Haris Sohail (60) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Lockie Ferguson (5/45) was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, finishing with his maiden five-wicket haul. Kane Williamson sat out due to a groin strain with Tom Latham leading the side.

Pakistan openers made a steady start adding 64 runs before Mohammed Hafeez, promoted up the order after Imam-ul-Haq was rested, was out hit-wicket on 19 off Ferguson.

Zaman looked in good nick, scoring eight fours before being dismissed in the 23rd over. His departure brought together Azam and Sohail and together they steered the innings forward, adding 108 runs for the third wicket.

Ferguson then broke the partnership, removing Sohail in the 41st over. Shoaib Malik scored run-a-ball 18 before holing out to George Worker. Azam looked well-set to reach three figures when Trent Boult, who leaked 80 runs in 10 overs, removed him for his only wicket of the match. He scored 92 off 100 with four fours and a six.

Pakistan could have scored more but for Ferguson who bowled brilliantly in the death overs. He took three wickets in innings final over that included the scalps of Faheem Ashraf (5), Asif Ali (9) and Hasan Ali (2) and while allowing just four runs in it.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 279/8 (Babar Azam 92, Fakhar Zaman 65, Haris Sohail 60; Lockie Ferguson 5/45) vs New Zealand 35/1 in 6.5 overs

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