New Zealand Triumphs Over Pakistan in Thrilling ODI Opener

Napier, 29 March 2025: New Zealand seized a commanding 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Pakistan after a dominant 73-run victory at McLean Park in Napier on Saturday. The hosts set a formidable target of 344-9, powered by Mark Chapman’s explosive century, before dismantling Pakistan’s chase with a dramatic late collapse.

New Zealand’s Batting Masterclass
Opting to bat first, the Black Caps rode on Mark Chapman’s career-defining 132 off 111 balls (13 fours, 6 sixes), his third ODI century. He forged a 199-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell (76 off 84), stabilizing the innings after early setbacks. Debutant Muhammad Abbas electrified the death overs, hammering 52 runs off just 26 deliveries (3 fours, 3 sixes), propelling New Zealand to 344-9.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Muhammad Irfan Khan (3-51) claiming three wickets, while Haris Rauf (2-38) and debutant Akif Javed (2-55) shared four scalps.

Pakistan’s Promising Chase Derails
Pakistan’s reply began strongly with openers Usman Khan (39 off 33) and Abdullah Shafique (36 off 49) adding 83 runs in 12.4 overs. Skipper Babar Azam anchored the middle order with a valiant 78 (83 balls), supported by Salman Ali Agha (58 off 48), who crossed 1,000 ODI runs during his knock. However, from 249-3, Pakistan imploded spectacularly, losing 7 wickets for 22 runs to fold at 271 in 44.1 overs.

Nathan Smith (4-60) triggered the collapse, ably assisted by Jacob Duffy (2-57), as Pakistan’s lower order crumbled under pressure.

Series Outlook
The second ODI will be played on 2 April at Seddon Park, Hamilton, followed by the finale on 5 April at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.

Brief Scores:
New Zealand: 344-9 (Chapman 132, Mitchell 76, Abbas 52; Irfan Khan 3-51)
Pakistan: 271 all out (Babar 78, Salman 58, Usman 39; Smith 4-60)
Player of the Match: Mark Chapman (New Zealand)

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Khalid Javed

Khalid Javed is known as Khalid Minhas is editor of Daily Olympic.He is a seasoned journalist and worked with different national and international media outlets.