Key points
- Pakistan lost the Napier ODI by 73 runs to go 0-1 down in the series
- Mark Chapman scored 132 runs off 111 balls at McLean Park
- Pakistan conceded 43 extra runs, marking the third-highest extras conceded in an ODI innings
- Debutant all-rounder Muhammad Abbas scoring 52 off 24 balls, setting the record for the fastest half-century on debut
- Pakistan were bowled out for 271 from once being at 249 for three
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan stumbled to a disheartening 73-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening ODI on Saturday at McLean Park, Napier.
With the target of 346 runs looming large and the ever-reliable Babar Azam anchoring the innings, Pakistan seemed firmly on course at 249-3, needing just 96 runs from 69 balls. However, a sudden cascade of wickets saw them falter, losing seven for a mere 22 runs.
New Zealand, thanks to the brilliant century from Chapman and Nathan Smith’s four-wicket haul, comfortably secured their victory. Chapman’s career-best 132 laid the groundwork for a formidable total of 344-9, while Pakistan’s chase ultimately crumbled, all out for 271 in just 45 overs.
Earlier, it was Babar Azam’s steady 78 off 83 balls that gave Pakistan hope, but his untimely dismissal triggered a swift downturn.
Salman Agha fought valiantly with a spirited 58 off 48, yet the lower order’s reckless shots proved detrimental as New Zealand took a commanding lead in the three-match series.
Formidable partnership
Chapman’s innings, adorned with 13 boundaries and four sixes, came to the rescue of New Zealand after a shaky start, where they found themselves at 50-3. He forged a formidable partnership of 199 runs with Daryl Mitchell, who contributed a solid 76 off 84. Adding to the excitement, debutant all-rounder Muhammad Abbas made history by scoring a blistering 52 off just 24 balls, setting the record for the fastest half-century on debut.
Pakistan conceded 43 extra runs, marking the third-highest extras conceded in an ODI innings. The record for the most extras conceded by Pakistan in ODIs was set against the same opposition in Manchester in 1999 (47 extras), followed by 44 extras each against Sri Lanka in Sharjah in 1990 and New Zealand in Dambulla in 2003.
While Pakistan’s seam-heavy attack initially thrived on the lively pitch, they ultimately faced the consequences of their inconsistency. Akif Javed, making his international debut, claimed 2-55, but it was part-time seamer Irfan Khan who shone brightest with figures of 3-51 in a challenging spell.
The series now shifts to Hamilton for the second encounter on Wednesday, where Pakistan will aim 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.
