Ben Sears creates history, becomes first New Zealand player with Successive ODI Fifers

The 3rd bilateral clash of New Zealand and Pakistan concluded today, though NZ emerged as winners as they eased a 43-run win over Pakistan and sealed a clean sweep 3-0 win over the Men in Green. The third ODI was a bit delayed due to rain, but then, after a two-hour break, the match started with the wet outfield. Winning the toss, Mohammad Rizwan opted to field first, bringing the NZ openers on the crease. Rhys Mariu and Captain Michael Bracewell scored half-centuries and helped the team to post a total of 264/8.

Coming for PAK innings, Ben Sears took his second fifer and became the first New Zealand player to get consecutive two-fifers in successive ODI matches. Contributing a five-wicket haul, Ben sent back half of the Men in Green team to the pavilion and dismissed the Pakistan team to a total of 221.

Who is Ben Sears?

Ben Sears is a fast bowler who can bowl at a speed of 140 kph and plays for the Wellington domestic cricket side. Aged 27, he is the son of former Wellington pacer Michael Sears. He made his international debut for NZ in 2021 and has made his debut for New Zealand in the ODI  against Pakistan in 2025 only.

Making his debut in this series, Ben Sears made a big name for himself by taking two five-wicket hauls in back-to-back matches against Pakistan. The first fifer came in the 2nd ODI match against Pakistan at the grounds of Mount Maunganui. Delivering continuous fifers, Ben became the first New Zealand bowler to take a five-wicket haul in an ODI.

Sears came into the attack in the ninth over and bowled four tight overs. He broke Pakistan’s Momentum by dismissing Abdullah Shafuque out in his final over of the first spell. He then took the wickets of Agha Salman. After that dismissal,  Pakistan needed 55 runs to win in five overs and only four wickets in hand.

Sears returned and dismantled the Pakistan batting lineup. In just 12 balls, he claimed three more wickets, removing Naseem Shah, Mohammad Waseem, and Sufiyan Muqeem, and finished with career best figures of 5 wickets for 34 runs in 9 overs. Pakistan were bowled out for 221 in the third ODI. With this performance, Sears not only secured a victory for his team but also etched his name in the records.