In a thrilling start to the ODI series, New Zealand set a daunting target of 344 runs for Pakistan in the first match held at McLean Park, Napier, on March 29, 2025. The highlight of the innings was a spectacular century by Mark Chapman, who scored 132 runs off 111 balls, including 13 fours and 6 sixes, marking his first ODI century against Pakistan and the fourth of his career.
Chapman's innings was crucial, especially as New Zealand found themselves in a precarious position at 50 for 3 after just 12.4 overs. The early dismissals of openers Will Young (1) and Nick Kelly (15), along with Henry Nicholls (11), left the team in dire straits. However, Chapman partnered with Daryl Mitchell, who contributed 76 runs, and the duo put together a remarkable 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket, stabilizing the innings and propelling New Zealand to a competitive total.
Chapman's century not only showcased his batting prowess but also set a new record for the highest ODI score by a New Zealand player against Pakistan, surpassing Ross Taylor's previous record of 131 runs set in 2011. With his aggressive style, Chapman maintained a strike rate of 118.92, demonstrating his ability to score quickly under pressure.
The innings was also notable for Chapman hitting 88 runs from boundaries, which is the second-highest by a New Zealand batsman in an ODI against Pakistan, just behind Fakhar Zaman's record of 104 runs from boundaries during his unbeaten 180 in 2023.
Pakistan's bowlers had a mixed outing. Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 38 runs in his 10 overs, while Aaqif Jawed also claimed 2 wickets but went for 55 runs. Irfan Khan Niazi was the standout performer with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 51 runs in just 5 overs, but the rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain the runs.
Chapman's journey to this historic innings is particularly interesting. Born in Hong Kong, he made his international debut in 2015 for Hong Kong and scored a century in his first ODI match against the UAE. In 2018, he transitioned to play for New Zealand and has since established himself as a vital player. This match marked his third ODI century, with his previous two coming in earlier matches.
As the match progresses, Pakistan will need to chase down the 344 runs set by New Zealand. The team will be looking to their top-order batsmen to deliver a strong response after the early setbacks. The chase will not be easy, especially given the pressure of the total and the quality of the New Zealand bowling attack.
In summary, Mark Chapman's exceptional performance has not only set a high target for Pakistan but has also solidified his place as a key player for New Zealand in the ODI format. His ability to perform under pressure has been a significant factor in New Zealand's batting lineup, and fans will be keen to see how he continues to develop in the series.
