Match Report: New Zealand Triumph Over Pakistan by 73 Runs in 1st ODI, Napier
In a high-scoring encounter at McLean Park, Napier, on March 29, 2025, New Zealand kicked off the Pakistan tour with a commanding 73-run victory in the first ODI. Powered by a sensational 132 from Mark Chapman and a late blitz from Muhammad Abbas, the hosts posted a formidable 344/9 in their 50 overs. Pakistan fought valiantly, with Babar Azam’s 78 and Salman Agha’s 58 keeping them in the hunt, but Nathan Smith’s four-wicket haul ensured New Zealand’s dominance as Pakistan were bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs.
New Zealand’s Batting: Chapman Shines, Abbas Explodes
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand faced early pressure from Pakistan’s pace attack. Naseem Shah struck in the third over, dismissing Will Young for 1, caught by Salman Agha. Nick Kelly (15) and Henry Nicholls (11) steadied the ship briefly, but both fell to Akif Javed, leaving the hosts at 50/3 in the 12th over. Enter Mark Chapman, who turned the tide with a masterful 132 off 111 balls, including 13 fours and 6 sixes. His 199-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell (76 off 84) for the fourth wicket rebuilt the innings, taking New Zealand past 200 with a blend of aggression and resilience.
Chapman’s knock ended in the 43rd over, caught off Irfan Khan, but Muhammad Abbas kept the momentum going with a blistering 52 off 26 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes), pushing the total to 344/9. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the late onslaught, with Haris Rauf (2/38) and Irfan Khan (3/51) picking up key wickets, but costly spells from Salman Agha (0/67) and Mohammad Ali (1/53) inflated the target.
Pakistan’s Chase: Babar and Salman Fight, But Collapse Ensues
Chasing 345, Pakistan started brightly with an 83-run opening stand between Abdullah Shafique (36) and Usman Khan (39). Nathan Smith broke through, dismissing Usman, while Michael Bracewell removed Shafique, leaving Pakistan at 88/2 after 15.4 overs. Babar Azam anchored the innings with a fluent 78 off 83 balls, stitching a 76-run stand with captain Mohammad Rizwan (30), but the required rate kept climbing.
The turning point came in the 29th over when Muhammad Abbas dismissed Rizwan, caught behind, sparking a collapse. Babar’s departure in the 38th over, caught off Will O’Rourke, shifted the momentum decisively. Salman Agha’s counterattacking 58 off 48 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes, offered hope, but Pakistan’s lower order crumbled. Nathan Smith (4/60) ran through the tail, removing Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Akif Javed in quick succession, while Jacob Duffy (2/57) sealed the deal by dismissing Salman in the 44th over. Pakistan folded for 271, falling 73 runs short.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Mark Chapman’s 132 earned him the Player of the Match award, his aggressive strokeplay setting the tone for New Zealand’s imposing total. Muhammad Abbas’s late cameo and Nathan Smith’s incisive bowling were game-changers, while Babar Azam’s 78 kept Pakistan in contention until the mounting pressure told. Pakistan’s inability to curb extras (27) and their bowlers’ inconsistency in the death overs proved costly, as did their batting collapse after losing key wickets in quick succession.
Final Thoughts
New Zealand’s victory showcased their depth and adaptability, with Chapman’s brilliance and a disciplined bowling effort outclassing a spirited Pakistan side. For Pakistan, Babar and Salman’s efforts were bright spots, but their bowling leaked runs, and the middle order failed to capitalize. The teams now head to the second ODI with New Zealand holding a 1-0 lead, while Pakistan will look to regroup and strike back. McLean Park witnessed a cracker of a game, and if this is a sign of things to come, the series promises more thrills ahead!
