New Zealand defeat Pakistan by 73 runs in first ODI

New Zealand has secured a convincing 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI of the three-match series, taking a 1-0 lead. 

Batting first at McLean Park, Napier, New Zealand posted a strong total of 344/9 in their 50 overs. The hosts had an early setback, losing three wickets for just 50 runs. Will Young 1 (6), Nick Kelly 15 (12), and Henry Nicholls 11 (19) were dismissed cheaply.

However, Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman steadied the innings with an outstanding 199-run partnership. Chapman played a sensational knock of 132 (110), hitting 13 fours and six sixes, while Mitchell contributed 76 (85) before getting out.

Debutant Muhammad Abbas provided a late boost to the innings, smashing a quickfire 52 (26) with three sixes and three fours.

For Pakistan, Irfan Khan was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets. Haris Rauf and Akif Javed grabbed two wickets each, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali picked up one each.

Chasing 345, Pakistan started well, with Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan building a solid opening stand. The duo took the score to 83 before the first wicket fell, with Usman Khan scoring 39 (41). Shortly after, Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for 36 (45) at 88/2 in 12.4 overs.

Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam then formed a steady partnership, taking the total to 164 by the 28.4-over mark. However, Rizwan was dismissed for 30 (35) immediately after that. 

Babar Azam continued to anchor the innings, reaching his 36th ODI half-century off 65 balls, including two sixes and two fours. He was eventually dismissed for 78 (92) at 249/4 in 38.4 overs.

Agha Salman tried to hold one end but kept losing partners. Pakistan suffered a collapse in the 40th over, losing Tayyab Tahir 1 (3) and Irfan Khan 0 (2) at 253.

Agha Salman fought back, scoring a 40-ball fifty with two sixes and four fours. However, the wickets kept tumbling. Naseem Shah 0 (4) fell at 267, followed by Haris Rauf 1 (5) at 269. Agha Salman was the last recognized batter to fall, scoring 58 (45) before being caught at 271/9 in 43.4 overs. Akif Javed 1 (3) was dismissed soon after, as Pakistan was bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs.

For New Zealand, Nathan Smith was the standout performer, taking four wickets to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Pakistan introduced three debutants in this match: Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali, and Usman Khan. 

The second match of the series will be played on April 2.