New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell produced a panoramic second of brilliance to dismiss Pakistan‘s Usman Khan that turned the tide in his group’s favour in the course of the third ODI match at Mount Maunganui.
Michael Bracewell’s absolute screamer stuns Usman Khan
At 21.3 overs, Pakistan had been comfortably positioned at 97/1, constructing a gradual platform when Usman seemed to up the ante. Dealing with a short-pitched supply from Muhammad Abbas that reared up awkwardly from a great size on center and leg, Usman went for an aggressive pull, however the ball climbed sharply, taking the highest fringe of the bat.
What adopted was nothing in need of sensational. The ball ballooned excessive into the air in direction of the sq. leg area, a troublesome catch even on one of the best of days. However Bracewell, fielding at quick mid-wicket, learn the trajectory early. He sprinted throughout at full tempo, by no means taking his eyes off the ball. As he closed in, he launched himself right into a full-stretch dive, each arms prolonged, and plucked the ball out of the air simply inches above the turf—whereas nonetheless mid-flight. The timing, athleticism, and dedication to the trouble made it top-of-the-line catches of the match and probably the match.
Bracewell’s spectacular seize not solely dismissed Usman for 12 off 17 balls but in addition reignited New Zealand’s depth on the sector. The wicket was very important in breaking a blossoming partnership and got here at a second when Pakistan had been eyeing acceleration. The Kiwi skipper’s power and fielding prowess served as a rallying cry for his teammates and underscored the significance of management by instance.
Right here’s the video:
What a catch by Bracewell ⚡⚡#Cricket #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/2CXNViyDwl
— Aman (@Amanriz78249871) April 5, 2025
Additionally WATCH: Imam-ul-Haq suffers brutal damage after vicious throw; taken off on a stretcher | NZ vs PAK, third ODI
Pakistan in bother regardless of Babar Azam’s fifty as New Zealand dominate at Mount Maunganui
Within the third ODI of the Pakistan tour of New Zealand at Mount Maunganui on April 5, New Zealand posted a aggressive complete of 264/8 of their allotted 42 overs. Rhys Mariu’s regular 58 and Bracewell’s explosive 59 off 40 balls, which included a flurry of sixes, anchored the hosts’ innings. Akif Javed was the choose of the bowlers for Pakistan, returning with spectacular figures of 4 for 62.
Chasing 265 underneath the DLS-revised goal, Pakistan’s innings obtained off to a gradual begin. They suffered an early blow when Imam-ul-Haq retired damage at simply 5/0 within the third over. Though Babar Azam introduced some stability with a composed 50 off 58 balls, the guests struggled to maintain up with the required run charge. Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique chipped in with temporary cameos, however wickets at common intervals derailed Pakistan’s momentum.
At the moment, Pakistan stands at 143/4 after 28 overs, needing 122 runs from the remaining 84 balls. Mohammad Rizwan and Tayyab Tahir are on the crease, with Rizwan displaying intent at a strike charge of 120.00. Nevertheless, with the required run charge climbing to eight.71, the strain is mounting.
Amongst New Zealand’s bowlers, Ben Sears was the standout performer, bagging two essential wickets and sustaining tight strains to limit Pakistan’s scoring. Bracewell and Daryl Mitchell additionally contributed with economical spells, making use of constant strain. With simply 14 overs remaining and 6 wickets in hand, Pakistan faces an uphill activity.