Cricholic
New Zealand secured a dominant 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI in Napier, thanks to a career-best 132 from Mark Chapman and an impressive four-wicket haul by Nathan Smith.
Chapman’s Heroics Power New Zealand to 344
After being put in to bat, the Kiwis found themselves in early trouble at 50/3. Naseem Shah dismissed Will Young cheaply, while Akif Javed removed Nick Kelly and Henry Nicholls in quick succession. However, Chapman, alongside Daryl Mitchell (76), steadied the innings with a 198-run partnership.
Chapman reached his fifty in 63 balls before shifting gears, bringing up his century in just 94 deliveries. While Pakistan managed to dismiss both set batters, debutant Muhammad Abbas provided late fireworks with a quickfire 52 off 26 balls, helping New Zealand post a challenging 344/9. Pakistan’s bowling unit struggled, particularly their fifth-bowling option, with Salman Agha and Irfan Khan conceding 118 runs in 10 overs. The visitors also leaked 43 extras, further adding to their woes.
Pakistan Collapse After Strong Start in Run Chase
Chasing 345, Pakistan looked well on course at 249/3 in the 39th over. Abdullah Shafique (42) and Usman Khan (38) provided a solid 83-run opening stand before Mohammad Rizwan (41) and Babar Azam (78) carried the innings forward. Salman Agha (43) also played a brisk knock, striking five boundaries and two sixes.
However, Muhammad Abbas broke the crucial partnership by dismissing Rizwan, and Babar’s dismissal in the 39th over triggered a dramatic collapse. Pakistan lost their last seven wickets for just 22 runs, folding for 271 in 44.1 overs. Nathan Smith was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 4/60, while Jacob Duffy and Muhammad Abbas also chipped in.
Key Takeaways from the 1st ODI
- Mark Chapman’s Career-Best Knock – His 132 anchored New Zealand’s innings.
- Muhammad Abbas Impresses on Debut – A blazing 52 off 26 balls gave New Zealand the final push.
- Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles – The absence of a specialist spinner hurt them in the middle overs.
- Babar Azam’s Effort in Vain – His 78 wasn’t enough as Pakistan’s lower order collapsed.
- Nathan Smith’s Decisive Spell – His four-wicket haul sealed the win for New Zealand.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand – 344/9 in 50 overs (Mark Chapman 132, Daryl Mitchell 76, Muhammad Abbas 52; Irfan Khan 3-51)
Pakistan – 271 in 44.1 overs (Babar Azam 78; Nathan Smith 4-60)
