Chapman’s Heroics and Smith’s Four-For Secure 73-Run Victory in Napier
New Zealand clinched a thrilling 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI at Napier, securing a 1-0 lead in the series. Mark Chapman was the standout performer, delivering a career-best 132 off 111 balls, while debutant Muhammad Abbas made history with the fastest fifty on debut in ODI cricket. Pakistan fought hard with fifties from Babar Azam and Salman Agha, but a dramatic collapse saw them bowled out for 271 in response to New Zealand’s imposing total of 344.
Chapman and Mitchell Power New Zealand’s Total
Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl first, and their seamers initially exploited the conditions to great effect. Naseem Shah dismissed Will Young early, while debutant Nick Kelly struggled before being cleaned up by Akif Javed. Henry Nicholls also found it tough going and eventually perished to Akif’s relentless short-ball barrage.
However, New Zealand capitalized on Pakistan’s limited bowling options, with Chapman and Daryl Mitchell putting on a game-changing 199-run fourth-wicket partnership. Mitchell played the supporting role with a gritty 76, while Chapman’s fluent stroke play dismantled Pakistan’s attack. Salman Agha, brought in as a part-time option, conceded 67 runs in just five overs, further tilting the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
As Chapman marched towards his ton, Pakistan’s bowlers had no answers. The left-hander reached his century with a powerful boundary off Irfan Khan, who had never bowled a List A delivery before. By the time Chapman and Mitchell departed, Muhammad Abbas took center stage. The Pakistan-born debutant smashed the fastest fifty on ODI debut, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls. His fearless hitting at the death ensured New Zealand racked up an imposing 344, with 166 runs coming in the final 15 overs.
Pakistan’s Chase: Promising Start Ends in Collapse
Despite early struggles, Pakistan’s top order laid a solid foundation. Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique faced a testing opening spell but managed to weather the storm. Usman’s aggressive 33-ball 39 ended when he miscued a pull off Nathan Smith, while Shafique followed soon after, holing out off Michael Bracewell.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then stabilized the innings with a 76-run partnership, keeping the chase on track without letting the required run rate spiral out of control. The breakthrough came when Abbas had Rizwan caught behind, but it brought the in-form Salman Agha to the crease. His attacking intent, coupled with Babar’s class, shifted the momentum decisively in Pakistan’s favor. When Babar smacked Smith for 21 runs in an over, including a stunning pull for six, Pakistan needed just 96 runs at a manageable run rate.
Dramatic Collapse Hands New Zealand Victory
Just as Pakistan seemed in control, the game flipped in an instant. Babar fell for 78, caught by Mitchell off Ben Sears while attempting a pull shot. That triggered a shocking collapse, with Pakistan crumbling from 249 for 3 to 271 all out. A mix-up led to a disastrous run-out, while Irfan Niazi was dismissed for a golden duck. Suddenly, Pakistan’s tail was exposed, and the target looked insurmountable.
Nathan Smith capitalized, wrapping up the innings with an impressive four-wicket haul. Ben Sears and Jacob Duffy provided crucial support, ensuring Pakistan never recovered. Agha fought a lone battle but was eventually caught in the deep, sealing a resounding victory for the Black Caps.
Key Takeaways:
- Mark Chapman’s Heroics: Career-best 132 off 111 balls anchored New Zealand’s innings.
- Fastest Fifty on Debut: Muhammad Abbas set an ODI record with a 24-ball half-century.
- Pakistan’s Collapse: Lost seven wickets for just 22 runs, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
- Nathan Smith’s Impact: Finished with four wickets, dismantling Pakistan’s lower order.
With this emphatic win, New Zealand leads the series 1-0. Pakistan will need to regroup quickly ahead of the next ODI to keep their hopes alive.