Mount Maunganui, Apr 5 (Reporter) Skipper Michael Bracewell's explosive half-century and Ben Sears' incisive four-wicket haul powered New Zealand to a 43-run win over Pakistan in a rain-curtailed third ODI here on Saturday. In a match reduced to 42 overs a side due to a wet outfield, Bracewell smashed 59 off 40 balls to anchor New Zealand to a competitive total of 264 for 8. The left-hander, who came in at a crucial juncture, struck one boundary and six sixes, dominating the middle overs and providing the late flourish the hosts needed. Young opener Rhys Mariu impressed with a well-compiled 58, while Daryl Mitchell (43 off 53) continued his aggressive run with the bat. Pakistan’s bowling attack, despite moments of control, failed to contain the Kiwis as Akif Javed returned figures of 4 for 62. Chasing 265, Pakistan faltered under scoreboard pressure. Sears led the charge with the ball, scalping 4 for 35 in a fiery spell that dismantled the visitors’ lower order. Jacob Duffy also chipped in with two key wickets, including the dangerous Mohammad Rizwan (37), who had provided some hope in the middle overs. Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with a fluent 50 off 58 balls, but his dismissal triggered a collapse. From 212 for 7, Pakistan lost their last three wickets for just nine runs, folding up for 221 in 40 overs. With this win, New Zealand took the upper hand in the ODI leg of Pakistan’s tour, as the hosts combined clinical bowling with aggressive batting in front of a lively Bay Oval...////...