Bracewell hails New Zealand response after emphatic win over Pakistan

Pakistan had kept the five-match series alive when they cruised to a nine-wicket win on Friday, but the Black Caps got back on track with a crushing success at the Bay Oval on Sunday to move into an unassailable 3-1 lead.

After being put in to bat, New Zealand made a flying start courtesy of openers Finn Allen (50 runs off 20 balls) and Tim Seifert (44 off 22), with the hosts reaching the 100 mark in only 45 deliveries.

Despite the best efforts of Haris Rauf (3-27), there were further contributions from Mark Chapman (24) and Daryl Mitchell (29) before skipper Bracewell finished off the innings in style with an unbeaten 46 from 26 balls.

New Zealand's imposing total of 220-6 never looked under threat, with Pakistan losing three wickets inside the first two overs, as the hosts' quick bowlers dominated in swinging conditions.

Jacob Duffy (4-20) and Zakary Foulkes (3-25) were in inspired form, with Abdul Samad (44) and Irfan Khan (24) ending up as the only two Pakistan batters to reach double figures before their team was bowled out in just 16.2 overs.

"Very happy with the performance," said Bracewell, per ESPN. "Bouncing back only a day or so after their performance at Eden Park was outstanding.

"I think this match showed the benefit of those guys batting so well at the top, they got us very well ahead of the game.

"It's always nice to be there at the end and try to finish it off. At number seven, you sort of either get a couple of balls, or you get quite a few. The last couple of games have been quite a few, but hopefully, I can put my feet up in the next one!

"[In Pakistan’s innings] we were able to sort of get a few wickets early before the ball got hit to the fence. You never know what could have happened if we bowled first.

"All the seamers bowled brilliantly. It was so nice. And then it wasn't spinning too much, but even the way Ish [Sodhi] bowled there at the end was brilliant. It's always great to see him roughing those leggies and to get the last wicket was outstanding for him."

A big win at Bay Oval #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/Qx9x2iu7Ur

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 23, 2025

There were no excuses offered by Pakistan captain Salman Agha, whose side will look to restore some pride when the series concludes in Wellington on Wednesday.

"New Zealand bowled really well, you have to get them the credit that they've bowled really well and they outplayed us," he said.

"The ball was swinging and it was turning as well. It does a lot in the second innings, but we are international cricketers, so we have to adapt to that, and we will have to be better.