New Zealand Beats Pakistan: New Zealand launched their ODI series against Pakistan in commanding style, securing a 73-run win in the first match played at Napier. The hosts were powered by a brilliant 132-run effort from Mark Chapman and a late rampage from debutant Muhammad Abbas to score an imposing 344/9. Pakistan responded and appeared in contention for the most part of their pursuit but collapsed spectacularly after Babar Azam’s dismissal, being bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs. Nathan Smith was the best bowler for New Zealand, taking 4/60 to give New Zealand a comprehensive victory.
New Zealand’s Resilient Comeback After Initial Blows
Pakistan had opted to field first after winning the toss, and this choice seemed right at the beginning. Naseem Shah left his mark on the game with a nasty delivery that caught the edge of Will Young’s bat, and he was sent back for a single-digit score. Akif Javed then placed more pressure on New Zealand by sending Nick Kelly and Henry Nicholls back in quick succession. At 50/3, the hosts were struggling, but Chapman and Daryl Mitchell turned things around with a game-changing 198-run partnership.
Chapman, who started cautiously, reached his fifty in 63 balls but shifted gears in the latter half of his innings, taking only 31 more deliveries to bring up his century. Mitchell, playing the anchor role, contributed a well-paced 76 off 84 balls before falling to Irfan Khan. Pakistan found some respite when they dismissed both set batters in quick succession, but Muhammad Abbas stole the show in the death overs. The debutant’s explosive 26-ball 52, laced with three fours and three sixes, powered New Zealand past the 340-run mark. Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled in the later stages, especially their fifth-bowling options Salman Agha and Irfan Khan, who conceded a staggering 118 runs in 10 overs combined.
Pakistan’s Promising Beginning, Crowned by an Amazing Collapse
Pursuing 345, Pakistan made a strong start with Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan sharing an 83-run partnership for the first wicket. The two utilized the field restrictions to good effect, hitting boundaries with ease. New Zealand fought back, though, as Shafique and Usman got out in rapid succession.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then asserted themselves, going through the middle overs with care while keeping the scoreboard moving. Their 76-run stand steadied the chase, with Rizwan playing some sumptuous shots. However, just when Pakistan looked comfortable, Muhammad Abbas struck to dismiss Rizwan, who attempted a ramp shot but only managed a faint edge to the keeper.
Salman Agha joined Babar and infused momentum into the innings, taking on the spinners with some aggressive stroke play.The couple accumulated 85 runs in no time, leaving Pakistan in good stead. But the match-turning moment was in the 39th over itself, when Babar pulled a ball straight into deep square leg off a mistimed shot, departing for 78. The Pakistan chase came unstuck from this point on.
New Zealand’s Late Burst Seals Victory
Sensing an opportunity, the New Zealand bowlers tightened their grip. In the very next over, Jacob Duffy made a massive impact, first running out Tayyab Tahir before clean-bowling Irfan Khan. The visitors never recovered from these twin blows, as Smith took charge in the closing stages, removing Naseem Shah and Salman Agha in the same over. Akif Javed was the last man to fall, caught in the deep while attempting a desperate heave, as Pakistan crumbled from 249/3 to 271 all out in a space of 31 deliveries.
Nathan Smith was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4/60, while Jacob Duffy and Muhammad Abbas contributed with key breakthroughs. The absence of a specialist spinner hurt Pakistan significantly, and their sloppy fielding—conceding 43 extras—added to their woes.
With this comprehensive win, New Zealand has taken a 1-0 lead in the series, maintaining their dominance over Pakistan in home conditions. The visitors will need to regroup quickly and address their middle-order vulnerabilities if they hope to bounce back in the next game.
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) source cricbuzz
Result: New Zealand won by 73 runs.
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