New Zealand emerged victorious against Pakistan in the opening ODI of the series, securing a commanding 73-run win in Napier on Saturday. The home side posted an impressive total of 344-9, thanks to a stunning century from Mark Chapman and a record-breaking half-century by Muhammad Abbas. In response, Pakistan struggled despite solid performances from Babar Azam and Salman Agha, getting bowled out in the 45th over for 271 runs.
Pakistan’s chase had a steady start but lacked the firepower to reach the target. Opener Abdullah Shafique contributed 36 runs, while Usman Khan played a brisk 39-run knock off 33 balls. Captain Mohammad Rizwan added 30 runs before losing his wicket. The highlight of the innings was Babar Azam, who scored a well-crafted 78. However, Tayyab Tahir was run out for just one, and Irfan Khan departed without scoring.
As the match entered its final phase, Pakistan had 266 runs on the board in 42 overs, with Salman Agha standing firm at 56 and Naseem Shah yet to open his account. However, the remaining wickets fell quickly, sealing Pakistan’s fate in the first encounter of the New Zealand vs Pakistan series.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand faced early trouble after being put to bat. The hosts were reduced to 50-3 in the 13th over, but Chapman turned the tide with a brilliant 132, his career-best knock. He built a crucial 199-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell, who played a solid 76-run innings off 84 balls. Chapman dominated with 13 boundaries and six massive sixes in his 111-ball stay. His innings could have ended early, but Salman Agha dropped him in the slips when he had scored just five.
Abbas, a Pakistan-born all-rounder, played a sensational knock at the death. His quickfire 52 set a new world record for the fastest fifty on debut, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls. His innings featured three fours and three sixes, providing the perfect finish for the Black Caps.
Pakistan’s bowling started well, utilizing the pitch’s bounce and movement to trouble the hosts. However, their control faded as Chapman and Mitchell took charge. Debutant Akif Javed impressed with figures of 2-55, while part-time seamer Irfan Khan picked up 3-51 in his five-over spell.
Both teams fielded new faces in this New Zealand vs Pakistan clash. Pakistan introduced Akif Javed, Usman Khan, and seamer Mohammad Ali to ODI cricket. Meanwhile, New Zealand handed debuts to Muhammad Abbas and opening batsman Nick Kelly, who managed 15 runs.
This match marked the beginning of an exciting battle between these two sides. After New Zealand’s 4-1 triumph in the recent T20 series, Pakistan was eager for a strong comeback in ODIs. However, their struggle in Napier highlighted areas that need improvement before the next game.
