New Zealand vs Pakistan: New Zealand kicked off their ODI series against Pakistan with a commanding 73-run victory in Napier, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The match was a showcase of explosive batting, sharp bowling, and thrilling moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The standout performance came from Mark Chapman, whose career-best knock of 132 off just 111 balls was the cornerstone of New Zealand’s imposing total of 344 for 9.
Chapman came in at a crucial moment when the Kiwis were under pressure after losing early wickets. Pakistan’s opening bowlers, led by Akif Javed and debutant Irfan Khan, had made early inroads. Will Young, Nick Kelly, and Henry Nicholls all fell cheaply, leaving New Zealand struggling at 89 for 3. However, Chapman’s arrival turned the tide. Displaying a perfect blend of aggression and composure, he counter-attacked with authority.
Partnering with Daryl Mitchell, who contributed a steady 76, Chapman orchestrated a 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The pair rotated the strike well and capitalized on any loose deliveries. Their chemistry at the crease shifted the momentum decisively in New Zealand’s favor. While Mitchell played a supporting role with well-timed boundaries, Chapman took the lead, hammering 15 fours and 4 sixes in his dazzling knock.
Muhammad Abbas Makes a Dream Debut
If Chapman’s innings set the foundation, it was Muhammad Abbas, on his ODI debut, who delivered the knockout punch. Born in Pakistan but playing for New Zealand, Abbas smashed the fastest fifty on ODI debut, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls. His fearless approach and clean striking at the death overs added 66 runs in the final five overs alone.
Abbas’s onslaught was particularly brutal on Pakistan’s part-time bowlers. Salman Agha, used in an attempt to break the set partnership, was taken apart, conceding 67 runs in five overs. Irfan Khan, who was bowling his first-ever over in List A cricket, was smashed for multiple boundaries, including the one that brought up Chapman’s century. Abbas ended with 52 off just 28 balls, an innings full of confidence and power that pushed New Zealand well past the 300-run mark.
Pakistan Start Brightly But Stumble
Chasing 345, Pakistan began the innings with intent. Usman Khan, though scratchy initially, found his rhythm and struck some early boundaries to give Pakistan a decent start. His innings of 39 off 33 balls ended when he top-edged a pull shot to fine leg off Nathan Smith. Abdullah Shafique soon followed, caught at long-on trying to clear the boundary off Michael Bracewell.
The arrival of captain Babar Azam brought stability to the chase. Alongside Mohammad Rizwan, Babar forged a 76-run partnership that kept Pakistan’s hopes alive. Rizwan, with his ability to find gaps, and Babar, with his classical stroke play, brought the required run rate within reach.
But New Zealand kept chipping away. Muhammad Abbas, already a hero with the bat, struck with the ball, removing Rizwan with a delivery that took the edge and carried to the keeper. The dismissal put pressure back on Pakistan, even as Salman Agha joined Babar to form another threatening stand.
Babar’s Dismissal Triggers Collapse
At 249 for 3, needing just under 100 runs with more than 10 overs in hand, Pakistan looked in command. Babar, having scored a fluent 78, was guiding the chase expertly. However, his dismissal proved to be the turning point. Trying to pull a short ball from Will O’Rourke, he found Daryl Mitchell at deep midwicket, who took a fine catch near the ropes.
From there, the innings unraveled. A mix-up resulted in a chaotic run-out, followed by a golden duck for Irfan Niazi. Salman Agha, despite a fighting 58, was left stranded as the lower order crumbled. Nathan Smith returned to mop up the tail, finishing with figures of 4 for 60. Akif Javed’s dismissal in the 47th over marked the end of Pakistan’s innings at 271.
Takeaways and Looking Ahead
New Zealand’s comprehensive win was a result of collective brilliance. Chapman’s classy century, Abbas’s electric debut, and Smith’s timely breakthroughs with the ball demonstrated the team’s balance and depth. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to address their middle-order fragility and bowling discipline.
The second ODI promises to be another high-octane encounter. With New Zealand holding the upper hand, Pakistan will be eager to bounce back and level the series.
Final Scorecard:
- New Zealand: 344/9 (Chapman 132, Mitchell 76, Abbas 52; Irfan 3-51)
- Pakistan: 271 all out (Babar 78, Agha 58; Smith 4-60)
- Result: New Zealand won by 73 runs.
