Chapman’s Century and Smith’s Four-Wicket Haul Lead New Zealand to 73-Run Victory Over Pakistan in First ODI
NAPIER: A scintillating century from Mark Chapman and a devastating four-wicket performance from Nathan Smith helped New Zealand to a commanding 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first One-Day International (ODI) at McLean Park on Saturday.
Chapman’s career-best 132 anchored New Zealand’s imposing total of 344-9, a score that proved too much for Pakistan, who were bowled out for 271 in the 45th over despite a promising chase.
At 249-3, with just 96 runs required and more than 11 overs to spare, Pakistan seemed on course for a successful chase. However, seamer Nathan Smith (4-60) led a remarkable collapse, as the last seven wickets fell for just 22 runs.
Key Moments and Top Performers
Pakistan’s chase was initially propelled by the in-form Babar Azam, who top-scored with 78 off 83 balls. However, his dismissal sparked a dramatic collapse. Salman Agha’s defiant 58 off 48 balls couldn’t prevent the downfall as Pakistan’s lower order succumbed to pressure, eventually being bowled out for 271.
Earlier, Chapman’s masterful 111-ball innings, which included 13 fours and four sixes, guided New Zealand to a solid recovery after they found themselves in early trouble at 50-3. Chapman, alongside Daryl Mitchell (76 off 84), shared a crucial 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket, laying a strong foundation for New Zealand’s total.
Debutant allrounder Muhammad Abbas added a thrilling finish to New Zealand’s innings, blasting 52 off just 24 balls to set a world record for the fastest half-century on debut.
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by debutant left-arm quick Akif Javed (2-55), made early inroads but couldn’t contain the onslaught from Chapman and Mitchell. Irfan Khan’s part-time seamers were the most successful, picking up 3-51 from five expensive overs during the death.
Looking Ahead
The result gives New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second ODI will take place in Hamilton on Wednesday, where Pakistan will look to bounce back.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (capt), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed
New Zealand: Nick Kelly, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (capt), Muhammad Abbas, Mitch Hay, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke