New Zealand Defeats Pakistan by 73 Runs in First ODI of the Series
In the first match of the 3-match ODI series, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 73 runs. The match took place in Napier, where New Zealand set a target of 345 runs after scoring 344/9 in 50 overs. Mark Chapman (132) and Daryl Mitchell (76) were the standout performers for the hosts.
**New Zealand’s Innings:**
New Zealand’s innings got off to a shaky start, with three wickets falling for just 50 runs. Will Young (1), Nick Kelly (15), and Henry Nicholls (11) were dismissed early. However, Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman built a strong partnership, adding 199 runs for the fourth wicket.
Mark Chapman played a brilliant knock of 132 runs, which included 13 fours and 6 sixes. Daryl Mitchell also contributed with 76 runs before being dismissed. Debutant Mohammad Abbas also impressed with a quick-fire 52 runs from just 26 balls, including 3 sixes and 3 fours. In the end, New Zealand finished their innings at 344/9 in 50 overs.
**Pakistan’s Innings:**
Pakistan, in response, started with openers Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan, but their partnership couldn’t provide a solid foundation. Usman Khan was dismissed for 39 and Abdullah Shafique for 36, as Pakistan lost early wickets. Captain Mohammad Rizwan also fell cheaply for 30 runs, leaving Pakistan struggling at 3 wickets down for 105 runs.
Babar Azam then anchored the innings with a responsible 78 runs off 83 balls, but the middle-order collapsed around him. Pakistan’s chase faltered, and they were eventually bowled out for 271 runs, losing by 73 runs.
**Pakistan’s Bowling:**
For Pakistan, Irfan Khan took 3 wickets, while Haris Rauf and Aakif Javed claimed 2 wickets each. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali took one wicket each.
**Pakistan’s Debuts:**
It was a debut match for Aakif Javed, Mohammad Ali, and Usman Khan in the ODI series.
**Pakistan’s Playing XI:**
– Abdullah Shafique
– Usman Khan
– Babar Azam
– Mohammad Rizwan
– Salman Ali Agha
– Tayyab Tahir
– Mohammad Irfan Khan
– Naseem Shah
– Haris Rauf
– Aakif Javed
– Mohammad Ali
**Context:**
It’s worth mentioning that New Zealand had previously defeated Pakistan 4-1 in the 5-match T20 series.
