New Zealand secured a convincing victory over Pakistan in the first ODI of the series, winning by 73 runs at McLean Park in Napier on March 29, 2025. The match showcased a remarkable performance from Mark Chapman, who scored a record-breaking 132 runs off 111 balls, while Nathan Smith excelled with the ball, taking four wickets to dismantle Pakistan's batting lineup.
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl first, a decision that initially seemed to pay off as they reduced New Zealand to 34-3 in the 13th over. However, a resilient partnership between Chapman and Daryl Mitchell, who scored 76 runs off 84 balls, turned the tide for the hosts. The duo put together a monumental 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket, helping New Zealand post a formidable total of 344/9.
Chapman’s innings featured 13 fours and six sixes, and he notably marked his ODI debut with the fastest half-century by a player on debut, reaching 50 runs off just 24 balls. This explosive start was crucial in setting the tone for New Zealand's innings, especially after the early loss of three wickets.
In response, Pakistan began their chase confidently, with openers Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique forming a solid partnership of 83 runs for the first wicket. Usman scored 39 runs off 33 balls, while Shafique contributed 36 runs from 49 balls. Babar Azam, the captain, played a pivotal role in the chase, scoring 78 runs off 83 balls, marking his 55th half-century in ODIs. This achievement placed him joint-fifth among Pakistani cricketers for the most half-centuries in the format, alongside Younis Khan.
Despite a promising start, Pakistan's innings took a dramatic turn after Babar's dismissal. The team was well-placed at 249-3 but suffered a catastrophic collapse, losing seven wickets for just 22 runs, ultimately bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs. Salman Ali Agha, who scored 58 runs off 48 balls, tried to anchor the innings but lacked support from the lower order.
Pakistan's batting woes were compounded by Nathan Smith's impressive bowling performance. He claimed four wickets, effectively breaking the back of Pakistan's batting lineup at critical moments. Will O'Rourke also contributed with economical bowling, finishing with figures of 1/38 in his 10 overs.
Chapman's performance not only helped New Zealand secure a strong position in the series but also elevated him in the records books. He surpassed several notable players to become the third-highest run-scorer for New Zealand against Pakistan in ODIs, with 1,087 runs in 24 matches, trailing only Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saeed Anwar.
Pakistan's recent form has been a concern, having lost the preceding five-match T20 series 4-1, and this ODI defeat adds to their struggles. The team now faces pressure to bounce back in the second ODI of the three-match series, scheduled for April 2, 2025, in Hamilton.
The match highlighted the need for Pakistan to address their batting strategy, especially in critical moments, as they look to recover from this setback. With Babar Azam's form showing promise and the potential of players like Agha and Rizwan, fans will be eager to see how the team responds in the upcoming matches.
