New Zealand secured a commanding 73-run win over Pakistan in the first one-day international (ODI) on Friday, played at McLean Park, Napier. The hosts set a daunting 345-run target, which Pakistan fell short of, being bowled out for 271 in their chase.
Batting first, New Zealand posted 344/9, with Mark Chapman leading the charge with a stunning 132, supported by Daryl Mitchell’s 76. The pair shared a match-defining 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket after New Zealand’s top order crumbled to 50/3. Late contributions came from debutant Mohammad Abbas, who smashed a quickfire 52 off just 26 balls.
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For Pakistan, Irfan Khan Niazi claimed 3 wickets, while Haris Rauf and Akif Javed picked up 2 each. Despite a strong start by Babar Azam, who scored 78 off 83 balls, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered under pressure.
The second ODI of the series will be played at the same venue on Sunday.
