Pakistan found themselves in a tricky position at 214/8 in the rain-affected third and final ODI against New Zealand, struggling to build momentum after early setbacks in their pursuit of a 265-run target.

Imam-ul-Haq retired hurt after scoring just 1 off 7 balls, dealing an early blow to Pakistan’s chase. Abdullah Shafique played a steady knock of 33 off 56 balls before falling to Ben Sears, caught by Jacob Duffy.

Babar Azam anchored the innings with a valuable 50 off 58 balls, but his dismissal to Daryl Mitchell left Pakistan at 97/2.

Usman Khan’s promising knock of 12 was cut short by a stunning catch from New Zealand’s captain Michael Bracewell at square leg.

Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for 37 off 32 balls, hitting 2 fours and 1 six, with a strike rate of 115.62. Salman Agha contributed 11 off 11 balls, including 2 fours, at a strike rate of 100.00.

Tayyab Tahir remained unbeaten on 28 off 26 balls, adding 1 four and 1 six, with a strike rate of 107.69.

Faheem Ashraf was dismissed for 3 off 4 balls, at a strike rate of 75.00. Naseem Shah contributed 17 off 13 balls, including 1 four and 1 six, at a strike rate of 130.76.

Mohammad Wasim was dismissed for a duck, scoring 0 off 1 ball.

Earlier, New Zealand posted 264 for 8 in a rain-affected encounter against Pakistan at Bay Oval on Saturday, with captain Michael Bracewell leading the charge with a blistering half-century.

The match was reduced to 42 overs per side due to persistent overnight rain, which delayed the start and left the outfield damp.

New Zealand had a shaky start after being put in to bat, losing opener Nick Kelly early to Naseem Shah in the third over. Rhys Mariu steadied the innings with a composed knock, forming a vital 78-run partnership with Henry Nicholls for the second wicket.

Mariu reached a well-made 58 off 61 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes, before falling to young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem.

Nicholls contributed a solid 31, but New Zealand found themselves at 91-2 by the 18th over. Daryl Mitchell and Tim Seifert then added 61 runs for the fourth wicket, with Seifert making 26 before being dismissed by Naseem Shah.

Bracewell played a captain’s innings, scoring an aggressive 59 not out from just 40 balls, including one four and six sixes.

He was supported by Ben Sears, who remained unbeaten on 5, as New Zealand finished on 264/8. Pakistan’s Akif Javed was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Naseem Shah took two and Muqeem and Faheem Ashraf claimed one each.

In the playing XI, Pakistan made one change, bringing in Naseem Shah in place of Haris Rauf. With New Zealand leading the series 2-0, Pakistan needs to win this match to avoid a series whitewash.