New Zealand Triumphs Over Pakistan in First ODI as Mark Chapman Shines with Career-Best Century

Chapman’s Ton and Smith’s Four Wickets Power Hosts to 73-Run Win in Napier

New Zealand secured a 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at McLean Park, Napier, on Saturday. The match witnessed a stellar performance from Mark Chapman, whose career-best 132 helped the hosts post a formidable 344-9. In response, Pakistan’s promising chase collapsed from 249-3 to 271 all out, with Nathan Smith (4-60) leading New Zealand’s bowling charge.

Chapman and Mitchell Rebuild After Early Struggles

Pakistan, after winning the toss and opting to field, had New Zealand in early trouble at 50-3. However, Chapman and Daryl Mitchell (76 off 84 balls) stitched together a crucial 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Chapman’s 111-ball innings featured 13 fours and four sixes, anchoring New Zealand’s recovery and setting up a strong total.

Towards the end of the innings, Pakistan-born debutant Muhammad Abbas stole the limelight by scoring a record-breaking 52 off just 24 balls, making him the fastest ODI debutant to score a fifty.

Chapman Reflects on His Match-Winning Knock

Chapman, who was later named Player of the Match, acknowledged the early struggles:

“It was certainly pretty tricky early on, the ball was moving a lot. We were probably aiming for a total a little bit lower than what we got in the end. But it’s something we pride ourselves on, being able to adapt to the conditions and just keep scrapping.”

“We rode our luck at times, and then Muh (Abbas) put the icing on the cake. It was outstanding to see.”

Pakistan’s Chase Falters Despite Strong Start

Pakistan’s response was led by a well-constructed 78 off 83 balls from Babar Azam, while Salman Agha contributed 58 off 48 balls. At 249-3, Pakistan seemed well-placed to chase down the target, requiring just 96 runs off 11 overs. However, the lower order collapsed under pressure, adding only three runs collectively as Pakistan lost seven wickets for just 22 runs.

New Zealand’s Nathan Smith turned the match in his team’s favor, finishing with 4-60, while Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner provided crucial support.

Rizwan Acknowledges Batting Collapse

Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted that the team failed to handle pressure in the final phase:

“We started the innings with good intent. Obviously, at the end, the pressure increases because you’re getting nearer to the chase. We lost wickets and it changed the momentum.”

Despite the setback, Rizwan remained positive, praising the bowlers’ early efforts and emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes.

Debutant Muhammad Abbas Creates History

Pakistan’s Muhammad Abbas made history by scoring the fastest ODI fifty on debut, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls. His late flourish helped push New Zealand past 340, ensuring that Pakistan had a stiff target to chase.

Bowling Highlights

For Pakistan, Akif Javed (2-55) made a solid debut, while part-time seamer Irfan Khan (3-51) took crucial wickets but proved expensive in the death overs.

What’s Next?

Both teams will now regroup for the second ODI, scheduled for Wednesday in Hamilton. New Zealand will aim to seal the series, while Pakistan will look to bounce back and level the contest. However, Mark Chapman’s availability remains uncertain after he injured his hamstring while fielding.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s dominant performance in the first ODI has set the tone for the series. While Chapman and Mitchell shone with the bat, Nathan Smith’s four-wicket haul ensured a dramatic collapse for Pakistan. With two matches remaining, Pakistan will need to address their lower-order batting concerns to keep their hopes alive in the series.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI series 2025 continues!