Chapman, Smith shine as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 73 runs

Napier

Mark Chapman’s stunning 132 and a match-winning spell from Nathan Smith helped New Zealand secure a dramatic 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI at McLean Park.

New Zealand set a daunting target of 345, thanks to Chapman’s career-best knock of 132 from 111 balls and Daryl Mitchell’s solid 76. A record-breaking debut fifty from Muhammad Abbas also contributed to their imposing total. Pakistan, in response, looked on course for a successful chase, led by Babar Azam’s 78 and Agha Salman’s blistering 58.

However, Pakistan’s promising start turned into disaster as they collapsed spectacularly, losing seven wickets for just 22 runs. From a solid 249 for 3, they crumbled to 271 all out.

Pakistan’s early bowling was sharp after Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to field. Naseem Shah and Akif Javed reduced New Zealand to 64 for 3. But Chapman and Mitchell’s brilliant 199-run partnership turned the tide, exploiting part-time spin from Agha Salman. Chapman’s elegant stroke play laid the foundation for New Zealand, and Abbas finished with a record-breaking debut fifty off just 24 balls, propelling New Zealand to 344.

In reply, Pakistan made a strong start, with Babar and Agha taking charge. But disaster struck when Babar mistimed a pull shot, and Mitchell’s stunning catch triggered a collapse. Pakistan’s tail faltered under pressure, with Smith taking four wickets and Jacob Duffy adding two more. Agha’s brave fight ended in vain as New Zealand wrapped up a dramatic win.

Scoreboard

 New Zealand: 344/9 in 50 overs (Mark Chapman 132, Daryl Mitchell 76; Irfan Khan 3/51, Haris Rauf 2-38)

Pakistan: 271 all out in 44.1 overs (Babar Azam 78, Salman Agha 58; Nathan Smith 4-60, Jacob Duffy 2-57) by 73 runs.