• New Zealand outclassed Pakistan by 73 runs in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier.

  • Mark Chapman was the star of the match, smashing a breathtaking 132 off 111 balls.

Fans celebrate Mark Chapman’s century as New Zealand outclass Pakistan in the 1st ODI
New Zealand vs Pakistan (Image Source: X)

Table of Contents

New Zealand outclassed Pakistan by 73 runs in the first ODI at McLean Park, Napier, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Mark Chapman was the star of the match, smashing a breathtaking 132 off 111 balls, while Daryl Mitchell (76) and Muhammad Abbas (52 off 26) played crucial supporting roles to propel the Kiwis to a daunting 344/9. In reply, Babar Azam (78) and Agha Salman (58) fought hard, but Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 22 runs, folding for 271 in 44.1 overs. Nathan Smith (4/60) and Jacob Duffy (2/57) led the charge with the ball to ensure a dominant New Zealand win.

Mark Chapman’s stunning century anchors New Zealand’s big total

New Zealand’s innings started shakily as Will Young (1), Nick Kelly (15) and Henry Nicholls (11) fell early, leaving the hosts struggling at 50/3 in the 13th over. However, Chapman and Mitchell stitched a remarkable 199-run stand for the fourth wicket, stabilizing the innings and setting up a platform for a late flourish. Chapman was at his attacking best, striking 13 fours and six sixes, finding gaps with precision, and punishing anything loose.

Mitchell played a more measured knock, ensuring New Zealand didn’t lose wickets in quick succession. After his dismissal in the 42nd over, Muhammad Abbas provided the finishing touches, smashing a 26-ball 52, including three sixes, propelling New Zealand past 340. Pakistan’s bowlers had an off day, with only Haris Rauf (2/38) and Akif Javed (2/55) keeping things in check, while Salman Agha‘s five expensive overs went for 67 runs.

Also READ: NZ vs PAK: Muhammad Abbas creates history, breaks Krunal Pandya’s ODI record on debut

Babar Azam’s lone fight in vain as New Zealand’s bowlers dominate

Chasing a stiff target of 345, Pakistan started well, with Abdullah Shafique (36) and Usman Khan (39 off 33) adding 83 runs for the opening stand. However, New Zealand struck back swiftly as Michael Bracewell (1/60) and Nathan Smith (4/60) triggered a collapse, removing both openers and Pakistan stumbled to 88/2.

Babar, leading from the front, played a composed 78 off 83 balls, adding 85 runs with Mohammad Rizwan (30) and then another 85-run stand with Salman (58 off 48). Just as Pakistan looked to accelerate, Babar fell to William O’Rourke in the 39th over, triggering a collapse. From 249/3, Pakistan crumbled to 271 all out, with Nathan Smith picking up three quick wickets in the final phase. New Zealand’s bowlers stuck to their plans, with Duffy (2/57) and Bracewell (1/60) supporting Smith brilliantly. The Kiwis now head into the second ODI in Christchurch with momentum, while Pakistan needs to regroup to stay alive in the series.

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Also READ: Best bowling figures for New Zealand in T20Is ft. James Neesham

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