New Zealand emerged victorious against Pakistan in the opening match of the three-game ODI series on Friday, winning by 73 runs at McLean Park in Napier.
Chasing a challenging target of 345, Pakistan was bowled out for 271, unable to sustain their momentum despite a promising start.
New Zealand’s Commanding Batting Performance
Opting to bat first, the Kiwis posted a formidable 344/9 in 50 overs. Mark Chapman led the charge with a brilliant 132-run knock, while Daryl Mitchell contributed a crucial 76. The pair stitched together a record-breaking 199-run stand for the fourth wicket, rescuing the side after a shaky start at 50/3.
Among the top-order batters, Will Young departed for just 1, Nick Kelly added 15, and Henry Nicholls managed 11. However, Chapman’s commanding innings, decorated with 13 fours and six sixes, stabilized the innings.
Debutant Mohammad Abbas made a notable impact in the lower order, hammering a rapid 52 off 26 balls, featuring three sixes and as many fours.
Pakistan’s Bowling Struggles
Pakistan’s bowlers had moments of success, with Irfan Khan Niazi picking up three wickets. Haris Rauf and Akif Javed secured two dismissals each, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali claimed one scalp apiece.
Pakistan’s Chase Falters
Pakistan’s innings got off to a cautious start, with openers Abdullah Shafique (36) and Usman Khan (39) struggling to maintain momentum. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan added 30 runs but failed to convert his start into a big score.
Babar Azam stood out with a well-composed 78 off 83 balls, steadying the innings, but his dismissal triggered a collapse that saw Pakistan lose wickets at regular intervals.
Pakistan’s Playing XI for First ODI:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Usman Khan
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan (c)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Tayyab Tahir
- Mohammad Irfan Khan
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Aaqib Javed
- Mohammad Ali
The match also marked ODI debuts for Aaqib Javed, Mohammad Ali, and Usman Khan.
With New Zealand having secured a dominant 4-1 win in the preceding T20I series, Pakistan will aim for redemption in the second ODI, set to be played at the same venue on Sunday.
FAQs
- Who was the top scorer for New Zealand in the first ODI?
Mark Chapman led the charge with a brilliant 132-run innings. - How did Pakistan’s chase unfold?
Pakistan was bowled out for 271 while chasing 345, with Babar Azam top-scoring with 78. - Which Pakistani bowlers performed well in the match?
Irfan Khan Niazi took three wickets, while Haris Rauf and Akif Javed picked up two each. - Who made their ODI debut for Pakistan in this match?
Aaqib Javed, Mohammad Ali, and Usman Khan made their ODI debuts. - When is the next match in the series?
The second ODI is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the same venue.
