New Zealand leads the series 1-0 after comfortably defeating Pakistan by 73 runs, thanks to Mark Chapman’s century and Nathan Smith’s four key wickets.
Pakistan opted to bowl first, anticipating that the surface would improve for batting as the innings progressed. They had a fantastic start with the new ball, dismissing the first three batters for just 50 runs in 12 overs, with Akif Javed and Naseem Shah taking wickets during the powerplay.
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Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell Saves the Day
Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings with a solid partnership in the middle. Despite some early luck, Chapman managed to settle into his innings and began to accelerate as the surface became more favorable for batting. Both Chapman and Mitchell scored fifties and looked well-settled at the crease. They added a 100-run stand for the fourth wicket, with Daryl Mitchell gradually picking up the pace while Chapman continued full throttle. Chapman reached his century with a four, delivering a superb knock despite an early struggle.
After Chapman’s century, the duo built a remarkable 199-run partnership before Irfan Khan finally broke through, dismissing Daryl Mitchell for a well-made knock of 76 runs off 84 balls. This partnership took New Zealand from 50/3 to 249/4.
Setting a strong foundation for a fantastic finish, Mohammed Abbas, who was born in Lahore and made his international debut for New Zealand, came to the crease. An all-rounder who had an impressive year in the Ford Trophy, he and Chapman attacked the bowlers immediately, with Abbas looking particularly good and playing like a seasoned campaigner, smashing sixes effortlessly.Â
Pakistan managed to sneak in a wicket by dismissing Mark Chapman for an outstanding 132 runs off 111 balls, which included 13 sixes and six fours. Chapman's innings displayed maturity and drive as he left the field to a huge ovation from the crowd after rescuing New Zealand from a potential collapse.
Muhammed Abbas then reached his fifty in just 26 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes. His innings, combined with Chapman’s, helped New Zealand post a remarkable score of 344/9 in 50 overs, representing an incredible recovery and brilliant finish after being forced to bat first.
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Pakistan Failed to Convert the Start Leading to Collapse
Chasing a target of 345 runs in 50 overs, Pakistan got off to a brisk start in the powerplay, with Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan partnering for 83 runs for the first wicket in 12 overs before Nathan Smith gave New Zealand their first breakthrough. Babar Azam received a warm reception from the crowd as he came to the crease. He started slowly, taking his time to settle down, but New Zealand struck again three overs later, dismissing debutant Usman Khan.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan joined Babar in the middle. Both batted well during a period when the ball was coming onto the bat nicely, making New Zealand look a bit rusty. Babar Azam played a typical inning, remaining relatively unaggressive, while Rizwan focused on keeping the required run rate under control. They added 76 runs for the fourth wicket before Muhammad Abbas dismissed Pakistan's captain, claiming his first international wicket.
Salman Ali Agha joined Babar Azam at the crease and immediately showed intent by attacking the New Zealand bowlers. Babar Azam then got involved in the run fest, slightly shifting the momentum away from New Zealand. Babar reached his fifty, marking his first fifty in New Zealand since 2016. Together, they added 85 runs off 59 balls for the sixth wicket before Babar was dismissed. At that point, Pakistan was at 249/4, needing another 85 runs in the last 10 overs. While Salman Ali Agha looked well set with a half-century, he began to run out of partners as New Zealand caused a dramatic collapse. Ultimately, Pakistan lost the match by 73 runs, collapsing from 249/4 to 271 all out, thanks to Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith, who quickly cleaned up Pakistan's lower middle order and tailenders.
Mark Chapman was named Player of the Match for his remarkable 132 off 111 balls. New Zealand now leads the three-match ODI series 1-0, with the action set to continue in Hamilton for the next ODI. Stay tuned for more New Zealand vs Pakistan action!
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