New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 73 runs in the first ODI in Napier. Mark Chapman played a brilliant 132-run knock and helped his team reach 344 for 9.
He got great support from Daryl Mitchell who secured 76 runs.
Muhammad Abbas also captured 52 off just 24 balls and set a record for the fastest ODI fifty.
Pakistan started their chase well with Abdullah Shafique knocking 30 and Usman Khan 39 runs. Both players managed to build a decent opening. After they got out, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan made a 76-run partnership. Salman Agha joined Babar after Rizwan was dismissed. Babar Azam secured 78 runs and Salman Agha 58.
Pakistan team looked set for victory just needing 96 runs off the last 12 overs.
But lost their last seven wickets for just 22 runs in an unexpected downfall.
Irfan Niazi got run out and the rest of the players could not maintain momentum under pressure.
New Zealand’s Nathan Smith played a key role in turning the game around with 4-60.
Watch match highlights here:
Pakistan chose to bowl first and made a good start as Naseem Shah kicked Will Young while Akif Javed dismissed both Nick Kelly and Henry Nicholls.
Later on New Zealand took advantage of Pakistan’s weak bowling attack especially when part time pacer Salman Agha started bowling.
New Zealand added 166 runs in the last 15 overs and finished at 344 for 9.
Pakistan collapsed at the end despite being in a strong position and handed New Zealand a 73-run victory with a 1-0 lead in the series.
