In the opening ODI in Napier, New Zealand posted 344/9, riding on a brilliant 132 from Mark Chapman and a quick-fire 52 off 26 balls by debutant Muhammad Abbas. After being reduced to 50 for 3, the hosts staged a recovery through a massive 198-run partnership between Chapman and Daryl Mitchell, who made 76.
Chapman paced his innings steadily, reaching his fifty in 63 deliveries before accelerating to bring up his century in just 94 balls. Mitchell, meanwhile, provided steady support with a controlled 84-ball knock.
Opting to bowl first, Pakistan started well. Naseem Shah dismissed Will Young early, while Akif Javed claimed two wickets, removing Nick Kelly and Henry Nicholls. However, the lack of a specialist spinner hurt them in the middle overs, and the fifth-bowling duties split between Salman Agha and Irfan Khan proved costly, leaking 118 runs in 10 overs.
Pakistan’s bowling discipline also wavered, with 43 extras conceded.
After Irfan Khan’s double strike gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope, Muhammad Abbas powered through the final overs with an aggressive 52 from just 26 balls, including 3 sixes and 3 fours. His contribution ensured New Zealand finished with a challenging total of 344.
New Zealand: 344/9 in 50 overs
Top scorers: Mark Chapman 132, Daryl Mitchell 76, Muhammad Abbas 52
Top bowler: Irfan Khan 3-51
Opponent: Pakistan
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