New Zealand Set 264-8 in Rain-Hit 3rd ODI with Fifties from Mariu and Bracewell

In the third ODI match between New Zealand and Pakistan at Mount Maunganui, young opener Rhys Mariu and experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell led New Zealand to a total of 264/8. The match was reduced to 42 overs per side due to a wet outfield.

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Rain Delays the Match Start

The start of the game was delayed by 90 minutes because the pitch was covered for two days due to rain. Damp patches near the pitch made conditions tricky.

Mariu Impresses Early

After losing opener Nick Kelly early, Mariu played confidently and scored his first-ever half-century in just his second ODI. He made 58 runs from 61 balls, forming a 74-run partnership with Henry Nicholls.

Mitchell Crosses 2,000 Career ODI Runs

Daryl Mitchell added 43 runs and also reached a milestone of 2,000 ODI runs. He now has 2,041 runs from 52 matches with an impressive average of 49.7.

Bracewell Boosts the Score

Captain Michael Bracewell finished the innings in style, scoring 59 runs off just 40 balls. He smashed six sixes and helped New Zealand add 99 runs in the last 19 overs. At one point, New Zealand was struggling at 165/4, but Bracewell's power-hitting lifted the run rate.

Pakistan Bowl First Again

Pakistan once again chose to bowl first after winning the toss, but the strategy didn’t work. New Zealand had already won the first two ODIs convincingly, and they put up another strong batting performance in the final match of the series.

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