Napier, March 29, 2025 – It was an exceptional performance by Mark Chapman in Napier as he powered New Zealand to a commanding 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI. Chapman’s unbeaten 132 off 111 balls laid the foundation for the hosts’ triumph.
This innings marked Chapman’s third ODI century and his highest score in the format, showcasing his growing prowess as a match-winner for New Zealand.
Pakistan’s ODI captain, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that initially seemed promising. The Napier pitch offered assistance to the bowlers early on, with Naseem Shah and Akif Javed wreaking havoc on the Kiwi top order. Openers Will Young and Nick Kelly fell inside the Powerplay, followed soon by Henry Nicholls, leaving New Zealand struggling at 50/3.
It was then that Mark Chapman, in partnership with Daryl Mitchell, orchestrated a game-changing 199-run stand. Chapman took charge, hammering 13 fours and 6 sixes at a strike rate of 118.91, while Mitchell played the supporting role with a composed 76 off 84 deliveries, including 4 fours and 4 sixes.
Debutant Muhammad Abbas added late fireworks with a blistering 52 off just 26 balls, propelling New Zealand to a formidable total of 344/9 in their 50 overs.
Pakistan began their chase positively, with openers Abdullah Shafique (36) and Usman Khan (39) putting on an 83-run stand. However, Nathan Smith struck to remove Usman, and stand-in Kiwi skipper Michael Bracewell dismissed Shafique shortly after.
Babar Azam (78) and Salman Agha (58) kept Pakistan in contention, guiding their team to 249/4. Captain Mohammad Rizwan contributed 30 crucial runs, but Pakistan’s chase unraveled dramatically. From 249/3 in the 39th over, they collapsed to 253/6 by the 40th over, losing three quick wickets.
Sensing an opportunity, Nathan Smith tore through Pakistan’s lower order, finishing with career-best figures of 4/60, while Jacob Duffy picked up two wickets. Pakistan were bowled out for 271 in the 45th over.
With this emphatic win, New Zealand heads into the second ODI in Hamilton on April 2 with a chance to clinch the series. Chapman’s brilliance has firmly put the hosts in the driver’s seat.