NAPIER: New Zealand cruised to a commanding 73-run win over Pakistan in the first ODI at McLean Park on Saturday, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing a formidable target of 345, Pakistan made a confident start as debutant Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique forged an 83-run opening stand. Both batters adopted an aggressive approach, laying a strong foundation.
However, the breakthrough came in the 13th over when Nathan Smith dismissed Usman for 39. Skipper Michael Bracewell then removed Abdullah for 36 in the 16th over, leaving Pakistan at 88-2.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to stabilise the innings with a 76-run stand, keeping the chase alive. But debutant Muhammad Abbas dismissed Rizwan for 30 in the 29th over, reducing Pakistan to 164-3.
Babar, determined to anchor the innings, combined with Salman Ali Agha for another crucial 89-run partnership. The former skipper played a fluent knock of 78, reaching his 36th ODI fifty before falling to Will O’Rourke in the 39th over, shifting the momentum back to the hosts.
Pakistan’s innings unravelled quickly after Babar’s dismissal. Tayyab Tahir’s run-out in the 40th over and Irfan Khan Niazi’s golden duck left the visitors struggling at 253-6.
Smith continued to make an impact, removing Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf in the 43rd over, while Jacob Duffy dismissed Salman Ali Agha for a well-fought 58. Akif Javed was the last man out as Pakistan were bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs.
Smith starred with the ball, taking 4-60 in 8.1 overs, while Duffy grabbed two wickets. Bracewell, Abbas, and O’Rourke chipped in with one each, ensuring New Zealand’s dominant win.
Earlier, after being put in to bat, New Zealand faced early setbacks. Akif Javed made an immediate impact, dismissing Will Young for 1 in the third over. He then removed Nick Kelly for 15 and Henry Nicholls for 11, leaving the hosts reeling at 50-3 in 12.4 overs.
However, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell turned the game around with a crucial 100-run stand. Chapman’s aggressive stroke play saw him notch up his third ODI century in the 38th over, smashing 11 fours and four sixes.
Mitchell played the anchor role, scoring a steady 76 before falling to Irfan Niazi. Their record-breaking 199-run partnership propelled New Zealand to a strong position.
Chapman eventually departed for a career-best 132, while Haris Rauf and Niazi struck late to dent the lower order. But debutant Muhammad Abbas’ blistering 50 off 24 balls lifted New Zealand past 300.
Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Niazi (3-51), with Rauf and Akif picking up two wickets each, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali grabbed one apiece.
Pakistan:
Abdullah Shafique, Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (capt), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed
Nick Kelly, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (capt), Muhammad Abbas, Mitch Hay, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Will O'Rourke
Umpires: Chris Brown (NZL), Paul Reiffel (AUS)
TV umpire: Michael Gough (ENG)
Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)
