March 29, 2025: Mark Chapman’s brilliant century and Nathan Smith’s outstanding four-wicket haul helped New Zealand secure a 1-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against Pakistan. In a thrilling contest at McLean Park in Napier on Saturday, New Zealand posted 344/9 in their allotted 50 overs before successfully bowling out Pakistan for 244 runs, sealing a 100-run victory.
Chapman, who scored an impressive 132 runs off 111 balls, was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock. Alongside him, Daryl Mitchell played a key role, contributing 76 runs from 84 balls. New Zealand’s innings also saw a quickfire 52 runs from Muhammad Abbas, which added depth to their total.
For Pakistan, the chase started brightly with openers Abdullah Shafique (36) and Usman Khan (39) forming an 83-run partnership. However, the Kiwis’ bowlers made quick breakthroughs, with Nathan Smith taking the crucial wicket of Shafique among his four-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 4/60 from 8.1 overs. Jacob Duffy (2/57) and the spinners—William O’Rourke (1/38), Michael Bracewell (1/60), and Muhammad Abbas (1/43)—also played key roles in restricting Pakistan to 244.
Babar Azam (78) and Salman Agha (58) fought valiantly, but despite their best efforts, Pakistan fell short, being bowled out in the 45th over. Irfan Khan (3/51) was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, while Haris Rauf (2/38) and Akif Javed (2/55) also chipped in with wickets.
The second ODI of the series will be played in Hamilton on Wednesday, with New Zealand looking to extend their lead.