In a stunning display of talent and skill, 21-year-old Muhammad Abbas made a remarkable international debut for New Zealand against Pakistan at McLean Park in Napier on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The Lahore-born all-rounder etched his name into the record books by scoring the fastest half-century on ODI debut, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls. This extraordinary achievement eclipsed the previous record held by India's Krunal Pandya, who had scored a fifty off 26 balls against England in 2021.
Abbas's explosive innings came at a crucial moment for the Black Caps, as they posted a formidable total of 344 for 9 after winning the toss and opting to bat first. The match marked the opening game of the ODI series between the two nations, and it was a particularly poignant moment for Abbas, who faced off against the country of his birth.
The young all-rounder’s journey to this moment has been shaped by his family's cricketing legacy. Born in November 2003, Muhammad Abbas is the son of Azhar Abbas, a former First-Class cricketer in Pakistan who played for teams such as Peshawar and the Pakistan Railways. After moving to New Zealand in the mid-2000s, Azhar continued his cricketing career with Wellington and Auckland, and he is currently the assistant coach of the Wellington Firebirds.
With several established New Zealand all-rounders unavailable due to their commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Abbas received his maiden call-up to the ODI squad. He made the most of this opportunity by hitting three fours and three sixes during his debut innings, showcasing his power-hitting ability and earning accolades from fans and commentators alike.
Abbas's performance was part of a larger team effort, with Mark Chapman leading the charge with a magnificent 132 runs off 111 balls. Chapman’s innings included 11 fours and four sixes, helping stabilize the New Zealand innings after early wickets fell. Daryl Mitchell also contributed significantly with a brisk 76 runs, and the pair formed a crucial 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which is the highest partnership for New Zealand against Pakistan in ODI history.
The match did not start smoothly for the Kiwis, as they found themselves in trouble at 50 for 3 after the early dismissals of Will Young, Nick Kelly, and Henry Nicholls. However, Chapman and Mitchell's resilience turned the tide, allowing New Zealand to accumulate runs at a rapid pace.
Reflecting on the match, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead praised Abbas, stating, "He is a real talent, especially in playing spin bowling. His ability to bowl a little bit of left-arm seam as well is really helpful in terms of us trying to build our depth of all-rounders." This sentiment was echoed by Abbas's father, who has been a pivotal figure in his cricketing journey. Azhar Abbas shared, "Every time we had some space somewhere, I made sure we played some cricket, be it underarm or just throwing the ball to each other."
Despite the emotional weight of playing against Pakistan, Abbas remained focused and delivered a performance that left spectators in awe. The record for the fastest ODI fifty on debut was previously held by Nasir Jamshed of Pakistan, who scored his half-century in 40 balls against Zimbabwe in 2008. Abbas's achievement not only highlights his potential but also adds to the rich narrative of cricketing talent emerging from both Pakistan and New Zealand.
As the match progressed, New Zealand continued to build their total, with Abbas's quickfire fifty propelling them past 300 runs. His late blitz was instrumental in achieving a total that would prove challenging for Pakistan to chase. Irfan Niazi led the bowling attack for Pakistan, claiming three wickets, while Haris Rauf and Akif Javed each took two wickets, showcasing the competitive spirit within the Pakistani bowling lineup.
New Zealand's innings concluded with a total of 344 runs, marking their second-highest total at home against Pakistan in ODIs. The Black Caps will aim to maintain their momentum in the upcoming matches as they look to secure a series victory.
In the aftermath of his record-breaking performance, Abbas expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to represent New Zealand, stating, "It’s a dream come true to play for my adopted country, and to achieve this record on my debut is something I will cherish forever." His story is one of resilience, talent, and the unique blend of two cricketing cultures, as he continues to make waves in the world of cricket.
As the series unfolds, cricket fans around the globe will be keenly watching Muhammad Abbas, who has already made a significant impact in his first outing. With a promising career ahead of him, Abbas embodies the spirit of modern cricket, where young talents are breaking records and redefining the game.
