In a thrilling encounter at McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 73 runs in the 1st ODI. Mark Chapman played a match-winning knock of 132 runs, leading New Zealand to a competitive total of 344/9. Despite a solid chase, Pakistan collapsed from 249/3 to 271 all out, handing New Zealand the victory. Stay updated with the latest cricket news and match coverage on et20worldcup, your go-to source for all the action, including ICC Champions Trophy 2025, T20 2024, and much more.
New Zealand’s Strong Start: Mark Chapman Leads the Charge
New Zealand’s decision to bat first after winning the toss was met with early pressure as Pakistan’s bowlers made the most of the conditions. The pitch at McLean Park showed considerable movement, with the ball swinging and seaming, making life difficult for the Kiwis’ top order. Will Young was dismissed early, nicking off to Naseem Shah. Debutant Nick Kelly also struggled, losing his wicket to Akif Javed, while Henry Nicholls was dismissed after another uncomfortable innings.
Despite these early setbacks, New Zealand’s middle order came to the rescue, led by Mark Chapman. Chapman, who has often been a thorn in Pakistan’s side, exhibited excellent composure and skill, timing the ball effortlessly and placing it to all parts of the ground. His brilliant knock of 132 runs off 111 balls anchored the New Zealand innings.
Chapman was well-supported by Daryl Mitchell, who played a crucial knock of 76 runs. Together, the pair forged a crucial 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket, putting New Zealand back on track after the initial hiccups. Mitchell’s gritty knock was the perfect foil for Chapman’s dominant batting, with the duo taking control of the middle overs.
A Debut to Remember: Muhammad Abbas Steals the Show
While Chapman’s century stole the limelight, another debutant, Muhammad Abbas, provided a fitting cameo. Abbas, known for his explosive hitting abilities, did not disappoint. He smashed a remarkable 52 runs off just 26 balls, marking the fastest 50 on debut in ODI history. His quickfire half-century, including some powerful strikes, helped New Zealand post a formidable total of 344/9 in their 50 overs. The aggressive final overs from Abbas and a few others propelled the total beyond what Pakistan might have anticipated after a strong start with the ball.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the runs in the latter part of the innings. While Irfan Khan, who had been Pakistan’s best bowler, claimed 3 wickets for 51 runs, the damage had already been done. The bowling unit was unable to execute the same level of control in the middle overs, and the Kiwis capitalized by scoring 166 runs in the final 15 overs.
Pakistan’s Chase: A Rocky Start and a Glimmer of Hope
When Pakistan began their chase of 345, they seemed in control, thanks to a solid partnership between Babar Azam and Salman Agha. The pair put on a steady 76-run partnership, maintaining a healthy run rate. Babar, who looked fluent in his innings, seemed on course to take his side home, but the turning point came when he was dismissed for 78.
The turning point in the match was Babar’s dismissal, which sparked a dramatic collapse in Pakistan’s innings. It was a stunning catch from Daryl Mitchell off O’Rourke’s bowling that sent Babar back to the pavilion. With Babar’s departure, Pakistan’s batting crumbled. What had been a stable chase now became a desperate fight for survival.
The Collapse: New Zealand’s Late Surge Seals the Deal
After Babar’s dismissal, the Pakistan batting order lost its way. The loss of quick wickets set the chase back, and the pressure mounted on Salman Agha, who was left to shoulder most of the responsibility. However, Agha’s lone battle was not enough to stop the inevitable collapse. New Zealand, with their well-executed bowling attack, started to capitalize on Pakistan’s weaknesses.
Nathan Smith, who had bowled well throughout the innings, claimed a key four-wicket haul, and his effort was crucial in keeping the pressure on the Pakistan batsmen. The middle-order collapse was rapid, with Pakistan losing three wickets for just four runs, and soon the tail was exposed. Irfan Niazi and Naseem Shah failed to provide the resistance Pakistan needed, as they were bundled out for 271 in 44.1 overs.
Despite some late resistance from Usman Khan, who managed to score 39 runs from 33 balls, New Zealand’s bowlers held their nerve, with Michael Bracewell and Duffy playing key roles in polishing off the tail. Ultimately, it was Smith’s performance that sealed the game for New Zealand, and they won by 73 runs.
Key Performances: A Complete Team Effort from New Zealand
While Mark Chapman’s brilliant century was the highlight of New Zealand’s batting, it was a team effort that contributed to their comprehensive victory. Daryl Mitchell’s patient 76 laid the foundation for a competitive total, while Muhammad Abbas’ cameo took the game away from Pakistan in the final overs.
In the bowling department, Nathan Smith was the standout performer, claiming 4 wickets for 60 runs. His ability to break partnerships and keep the pressure on Pakistan’s batsmen was instrumental in the win. Supporting him well were Michael Bracewell, who provided crucial breakthroughs, and Duffy, who added the final touches to New Zealand’s victory.
Pakistan’s Disappointment: A Case of Missed Opportunities
Pakistan, despite showing promise at several stages of the match, will be disappointed with their collapse. Their chase was on track for a long time, and the steady contributions from Babar Azam and Salman Agha indicated that they were in with a chance. However, the loss of wickets at regular intervals once Babar fell derailed their plans.
The inability to finish the chase, coupled with the middle-order collapse, highlighted Pakistan’s struggles. While the bowlers did well early on, Pakistan’s inability to sustain pressure in the latter stages of the innings was a key factor in their loss. Irfan Khan’s commendable bowling performance could not compensate for the batting failure, and Pakistan will need to regroup and find a more consistent approach in the remaining matches.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
As New Zealand takes a 1-0 lead in the series, Pakistan will need to rethink their approach ahead of the second ODI. While their bowlers showed promise, their batting needs more stability and consistency. The middle-order collapse in the first ODI will likely be a major talking point for the team as they look to bounce back in the series.
For New Zealand, the win will boost their confidence as they aim to seal the series in the upcoming matches. With key performances from Chapman, Mitchell, and Smith, New Zealand will be looking to continue their momentum and clinch the series.
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Conclusion: A Thrilling Contest with New Zealand’s Dominance
The first ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan was an exciting contest, with New Zealand emerging victorious by 73 runs. Mark Chapman’s outstanding century, backed by solid contributions from Daryl Mitchell and Muhammad Abbas, laid the foundation for a strong total. Pakistan’s chase seemed promising at one point, but a middle-order collapse saw them fall short in the end.
New Zealand will be looking to carry this momentum into the next game, while Pakistan will be eager to bounce back and level the series. As the ODI series progresses, it promises to deliver more thrilling action for cricket fans around the world.
