Napier, March 2025 – Pakistan set an unfortunate record in the first ODI against New Zealand by conceding their third-highest number of extras in a single innings.
The lack of discipline in the bowling attack cost the team valuable runs, impacting their overall performance in the match.
Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and opted to field first, hoping to capitalize on early movement in the pitch. However, the decision backfired as the bowlers struggled with control, allowing New Zealand to gain easy runs through extras. Pakistan gave away a total of 43 extras, including wides, no-balls, byes, and leg byes, putting additional pressure on the team.
The breakdown of extras was particularly concerning, with 21 wides, 13 leg byes, 7 byes, and 2 no-balls. This lack of discipline made it one of the most expensive performances in terms of extras conceded in Pakistan’s ODI history.
Pakistan’s highest extras conceded in an ODI innings remains 47, which occurred in Manchester against New Zealand in 1999. Additionally, they have given away 44 extras twice—once against Sri Lanka in Sharjah (1990) and again against New Zealand in Dambulla (2003). This latest outing in Napier has now joined the list of high-extras matches, raising concerns over the team’s ability to maintain bowling discipline under pressure.
The excessive extras not only benefited the New Zealand batting lineup but also frustrated the Pakistani bowlers, who struggled to find their rhythm throughout the innings. Wides and no-balls extended New Zealand’s innings, offering them more opportunities to score freely.
Pakistan’s coaching staff will undoubtedly address the issue of extras ahead of the remaining matches in the series. With crucial fixtures ahead, the team must improve their accuracy and reduce unnecessary runs to avoid similar costly mistakes.
As Pakistan regroups for the next game, rectifying their extras problem will be a top priority. The team will need to focus on tighter line and length to prevent a repeat of this undisciplined performance and improve their chances in the remainder of the series.