New Zealand claimed a strong 73-run victory over Pakistan in their latest ODI clash in Napier, with Mark Chapman leading the charge. His career-best 132 off 111 balls turned the game in the hosts’ favor after an early struggle. Alongside Daryl Mitchell, who scored a crucial 76, Chapman built a powerful 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Pakistan appeared in control for lots in their chase, mainly with captain Babar Azam and Salman Agha scoring half-centuries. But a dramatic fall apart from 249/3 to 271 all out ended their hopes. New Zealand’s bowlers became the fit around in the final moments, securing a win that looked a long way less certain for maximum of the sport
New Zealand’s Fightback with the Bat
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When Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and opted to bowl first, it seemed a smart decision. Naseem Shah dismissed Will Young early, while debutant Akif Javed took his first international wicket by clean bowling Nick Kelly. Henry Nicholls also struggled and eventually fell trying to pull a short delivery from Akif.
Despite these setbacks, New Zealand took advantage of Pakistan’s limited bowling attack. With only four specialist bowlers available, the visitors had to turn to part-timers. Chapman and Mitchell capitalized on this, particularly targeting Salman Agha, who conceded 67 runs in five overs. Chapman’s century came with a stunning straight drive, marking a dominant performance.
The highlight of the innings came from Muhammad Abbas, the Pakistan-born New Zealand debutant. He smashed a record-breaking 50 off just 24 balls, the fastest by any debutant in ODI history. His fireworks in the final overs took New Zealand to a formidable total of 344.
Pakistan’s Chase Falls Apart
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Pakistan started their chase with caution. Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique struggled initially but built a decent foundation. Usman, despite his difficulties against short-pitched bowling, managed 39 off 33 balls before falling to Nathan Smith. Shafique followed soon after, miscuing a shot to Michael Bracewell.
Babar Azam and Rizwan steadied the innings with a critical seventy-six-run stand. The required run price remained underneath control as Pakistan seemed to be pacing their chase well. But Abbas struck once more, forcing Rizwan to face one in the back, giving New Zealand a gap.
while Salman Agha joined Babar, Pakistan gave the look of being in a commanding position. The pair dominated, with Babar smashing 21 runs in one over off Smith, including a beautiful pull for six. Pakistan needed 96 runs with lots of wickets in hand, and a win was regarded as attainable.
The Collapse That Cost Pakistan the Match
The turning point came when Babar, looking set for a century, mistimed a pull shot off O’Rourke. Mitchell took a brilliant catch near the ropes, dismissing the Pakistan captain for 78. What followed was a complete collapse.
A clumsy run-out, followed by a first-ball duck for Irfan Niazi, left Pakistan’s lower order exposed. Naseem Shah and the tailenders had too much to do, and the pressure was too high. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Smith and Duffy, cleaned up the remaining wickets with ease.
Salman Agha, who had been Pakistan’s last hope, holed out attempting a big shot. The last wicket fell as Akif Javed attempted one final hit, only to be caught by O’Rourke. In just half an hour, Pakistan went from being favorites to dramatically losing the match.
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