In the first ODI in Napier, New Zealand set Pakistan a lofty goal of 345 thanks to a career-best 132 from Mark Chapman and a scorching 26-ball 52 from rookie Muhammad Abbas.
After choosing to field, Pakistan made a strong start with the ball. Naseem Shah had already gotten the ball past Will Young before Akif Javed had twice struck, first past Nick Kelly’s defences and then past Henry Nicholls. Chapman and Daryl Mitchell put on a 198-run combination, with Mitchell scoring 76, as New Zealand appeared to require a significant partnership at 50 for 3.
After patiently reaching fifty off sixty-three balls, Chapman stepped up his game and eventually reached his century with just thirty-one more balls. Mitchell, who scored at a strike-rate of less than 100 during his 84-ball knock, was the ideal foil.
Abbas dominated the last overs just as Pakistan appeared to be rallying after Irfan Khan had dismissed both well-set batsmen in his next over. New Zealand passed 340 thanks to the left-hander’s crisp hitting, which included three fours and three sixes.
Pakistan suffered in the middle overs due to the lack of a specialist spinner. They gave up 118 runs in 10 overs with their fifth-bowling option, which Salman Agha and Irfan Khan both play. The visitors’ issues were made worse by the 43 extras they gave up, and they now have a huge target.
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