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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 cꦛharge with the b𓆏all 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 fourthℱ wicket, staꦜbilizing 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, triggeriꦺng 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.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Mark Chapman… Again
— Shahid Hashmi (@hashmi_shahid)
Mark Chapman loves Pakistan aye
— Sam[uel] Smith (@samuelsmith1988)
Pakistan se Mark Chapman out nahi hota.
— Faiz Fazel (@theFaizFazel)
Mark Chapman Brilliant 💯 under pressure-
— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo)
The strongest teams go into OD𝄹Is and T20Is with 6, 7 ♍or even 8 bowling options.
Pakistan went into today's match with 4 bowlers – their part-time bowling options conceded 118 runs in 10 overs
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket)
Tremendous knoཧck from Babar Azam has comes to an end. He put his team in a commanding position to win this ODI.
— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_)
Pakistan lost match when there is only left 82 score and 7 wickets in hands ♛Babar Azam wicket proved a turning p𓂃oint of match
— Waseem mehmood (@waseemmehmood24)
Babar Azam's comeback performance is a comeback for Pakistan Cricket Team aswell!🔥
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_)
Muhammad Abbas for today v 🇵🇰 is🐻 the 162nd player to make a fifty on debut in a men’s ODI.
Of those 162 innings♛, his 52 (26) is theไ one with the highest strike rate (200).
Next best: 58* (31) by Krunal🔯 Pandya💙 v 🏴 in Pune in 2021.
— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton)
Pakistan lost a𝓡n ODI to a New Zealand B team. This was not their A team, and Pakistan had their full strength side. Both Babar and Rizwan were playing. Harris Rauf was bowling. Pakistanis need to really start worrying.
— कुशल मेहरा (@kushal_mehra)
he has power
he has intent
he can build the inning
he can destroy the bowling attacksHe is Mark chapman
— ⚡ (@Visharad_)
From 246/3 after 38 overs, P🦹akistan lost 7 wickets for just 22 runs to hand New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the ODI series �ꦯ�
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
