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

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Muhammad Abbas plays a top-knock on his ODI debut
Fastest fifty on ODI debut

Muhammad Abbas made history during his One-Day International (ODI) debut for New Zealand against Pakistan on Saturday, March 29. The 21-year-old all-rounder achieved the fastest fifty on ODI debut, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls, surpassing the previous record held by India’s Krunal Pandya, who scored his fifty in 26 balls against England in 2021.

Muhammad Abbas plays a top-knock on his ODI debut

Batting at number six, Abbas contributed a swift 52 runs off only 26 deliveries, including three sixes and four fours. His explosive knock came at a crucial moment for New Zealand, who had stumbled to 50-3 early in their innings. However, a partnership between Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell steadied the ship, with Chapman eventually scoring a century (132 runs off 111 balls) and Mitchell adding 76 runs off 84 balls. This partnership of 199 runs for the fourth wicket helped New Zealand post a formidable total of 344/9 in their allotted overs at McLean Park in Napier.

The match saw Pakistan’s bowling attack struggling to contain the runs as Abbas’s late blitz propelled New Zealand towards an impressive score. Despite early breakthroughs from Pakistan’s bowlers, including debutant Akif Javed taking two wickets, they could not maintain their grip on the game as Abbas’s fireworks lit up the latter stages of the innings.

The moment 21-year-old Muhammad Abbas registered the fastest-ever fifty on ODI debut! Follow LIVE and free in NZ on TVNZ + & DUKE 📺 and @SportNationNZ 📻 Live scoring | https://t.co/CvmR1mQN5I #NZvPAK #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/6KtLNYbLIh
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 29, 2025

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Muhammad Abbas, born in Lahore and raised in New Zealand, showcased his potential on an international stage that many had anticipated since his domestic performances. His father, Azhar Abbas, was also a cricketer in Pakistan before moving to New Zealand and continuing his cricketing career there. This debut not only marks a personal achievement for Abbas but also adds to New Zealand’s growing reputation for nurturing cricketing talent.