NZ vs PAK 1st ODI: Comprehensive Win For NZ By 73 Runs

NZ vs PAK 1st ODI: New Zealand won the 1st ODI at Napier convincingly by 73 runs against Pakistan and took the series lead 1-0. Mark Chapman stole the limelight, hitting a career-best 132 off 111 deliveries, while debutant Muhammad Abbas posted the quickest ODI half-century on debut, taking the Kiwis to 344.

Thanks to a solid beginning by Pakistan, a stunning collapse from 249/3 to 271 all put them short, as Nathan Smith’s four-wicket return turned the match in New Zealand’s favor.

Pakistan Bowlers Dominate Early, But Chapman & Mitchell Rebuild

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan decided to bowl first after winning the toss, which seemed fair according to the conditions.

Naseem Shah got Will Young early, while debutant Akif Javed dismissed Nick Kelly, leaving New Zealand’s top order troubled. Henry Nicholls also struggled, unable to cope with Pakistan’s swing bowling.

But Chapman and Daryl Mitchell stabilized the innings with a match-altering 199-run fourth-wicket partnership. Chapman’s powerful stroke play and Mitchell’s unbeaten 76 turned New Zealand’s fortunes around.

Pakistan’s modest bowling attack, including part-timer Salman Agha, was found wanting as Chapman hammered a succession of boundaries, reaching his century with a powerful shot off Irfan Khan’s unorthodox medium pace.

Abbas Creates History; New Zealand Posts 344

With Chapman and Mitchell sent back, debutant Muhammad Abbas was the one who stole the show. The Pakistan-born all-rounder played a whirlwind knock, scoring the quickest ODI fifty on debut in 24 balls. His merciless hitting, with a beautiful six off Shaheen Afridi over extra cover, saw New Zealand rack up 166 runs in the last 15 overs, closing at 344.

Pakistan’s Chase: A Strong Start Turns Into a Nightmare

Pursuing 345, Pakistan’s beginning was jittery, with Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique grappling with the new ball. Despite initial unease, Usman made a rapid 39 off 33 deliveries before being dismissed by Nathan Smith. Shafique joined him soon thereafter, miscuing a shot off Michael Bracewell.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the ship with a vital 76-run partnership thereafter. Though the needed run rate increased, Pakistan was still in the match. Abbas sent back Rizwan with a snick to the keeper, bringing Agha Salman out.

Pakistan Collapse From 249/3 to 271 All Out

Babar and Agha turned the table in Pakistan’s favor, ripping apart New Zealand’s bowling lineup. Babar’s masterly stroke play, a regal pull shot against Smith for six, placed Pakistan in command. At 249/3, requiring only 96 runs at eight runs an over, Pakistan seemed to be sailing through.

But the match took a dramatic turn when Babar (78) was unable to muster enough power on a pull shot, which resulted in a spectacular catch by Mitchell. The wicket set off a nightmare collapse—Pakistan saw three wickets dismissed for a mere four runs. A sloppy run-out and a golden duck by Irfan Niazi exposed Pakistan’s tail.

Nathan Smith cleaned up the lower order, with Jacob Duffy then providing the winning blow by leaving Agha (57) stranded. Naseem Shah and Akif Javed’s last pair had no reply for New Zealand bowling. Akif’s desperate slogging against Smith was pouched safely by O’Rourke, deciding the fate of Pakistan at 271 all out.

Key Takeaways From NZ vs PAK 1st ODI

Mark Chapman’s Brilliance – His 132 off 111 balls provided the platform for New Zealand’s daunting total.

Muhammad Abbas’ Record-Breaking Debut – His 50 in 24 balls is the quickest by any batsman on ODI debut.

Nathan Smith’s Game-Changing Spell – His four-for (4/42) shattered Pakistan’s lower order.

Pakistan’s Middle-Order Collapse – From 249/3 to 271 all out, Pakistan’s thrilling collapse cost them the game.

Babar Azam’s Solo Battle – His 78 demonstrated his quality, but the absence of support caused Pakistan’s collapse.

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