In the opening match of the three-match ODI series, New Zealand clinched a convincing 73-run victory over Pakistan at Napier.
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, New Zealand posted a challenging total of 344 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Mark Chapman led the charge with a brilliant 132 off 115 balls, smashing 13 fours and 6 sixes. Daryl Mitchell supported him well with a solid 76 runs, while debutant Mohammad Abbas made an impressive impact with a quickfire 52 off 26 balls, including 3 sixes and 3 fours.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Irfan Khan, who picked up 3 wickets, while Haris Rauf and Akif Javed claimed 2 wickets each. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali took one wicket apiece.
Chasing 345, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start as openers Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan failed to convert their starts, scoring 36 and 39 runs respectively. Captain Mohammad Rizwan departed cheaply for 30, leaving Pakistan struggling early on.
Babar Azam displayed resilience, scoring 78 runs off 83 deliveries, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. The middle order failed to put up a fight, and Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 271 runs.
New Zealand’s bowling attack kept Pakistan under pressure, and despite brief resistance, the visitors fell short by 73 runs.
The match also saw debut appearances from Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali, and Usman Khan for Pakistan.
With this win, New Zealand takes a 1-0 lead in the series. The second ODI promises to be a crucial contest as Pakistan looks to bounce back.
Pakistan’s Playing XI:
Abdullah Shafique, Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali.
Notably, New Zealand had recently defeated Pakistan 4-1 in the five-match T20I series.
