TOP STORIES

NZ vs PAK 1st ODI: Chapman, Abbas, Smith lift New Zealand to victory

Saturday, 29-Mar-2025
News

On Saturday, New Zealand secured a commanding victory over Pakistan in the first ODI of their three-match series, taking a 1-0 lead. Mark Chapman’s massive innings and a record-breaking debut for Muhammad Abbas, launched New Zealand to a 73-run victory. 

Meanwhile, despite a valiant effort from Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Salman Agha, who scored 78 and 58 respectively, Pakistan fell short in their chase of a monumental total of 344. They were bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs.

Asked to bat, Black Caps proved to be a masterstroke as they set a massive target for Pakistan. The Kiwi batsmen delivered a brilliant performance, with Mark Chapman leading the charge. Chapman played a sensational knock, amassing a brilliant 132 runs. He stitched a match-changing 199-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell (76 off 84) to lift the side to a big total. Chapman’s 132 was particularly impressive as it provided New Zealand with a platform for a good score. 

Later, debutant Muhammad Abbas, who contributed a quickfire 52, set a new record for the fastest 50 by a batter on debut in men’s ODIs. He brought up his half-century off just 24 balls. In reply, Pakistan had their task cut out, but their chase never gained full momentum, thanks to the efforts of New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Nathan Smith, who returned with four wickets. 

Pakistan’s chase started on a promising note, but the loss of early wickets put them under pressure. Returning batter Babar Azam played a brilliant knock of 78 runs to keep the chase alive but he didn’t get the required support from the other end. Salman Agha, who has been in impressive form recently, also played a valuable hand with 58 runs, but without a significant partnership, Pakistan failed to go over the line. 

 

 

Tags

More News

News

West Indies confirm squad for three T20Is against Nepal in Sharjah, bring in five uncapped players

22 mins ago

West Indies have confirmed their squad to face Nepal in a series of three T20Is set to take place later this month in Sharjah. The Caribbean side has decided to rest some of their experienced stars: Shai Hope, pacer Alzarri Joseph and batter Johnson Charles. Following the decision to rest key players, West Indies squad features promising young talents. Spinner Akeal Hosein...


News

Asia Cup 2025: It's now or never for Afghanistan as they face Group B toppers Sri Lanka

49 mins ago

As the Asia Cup 2025 inches closer to the Super Fours, Group B toppers Sri Lanka find themselves in the must-win situation as they face a determined Afghanistan side in the 11th match of the Asia Cup on Thursday at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The match will determine which two teams progress from this tightly contested group, with Bangladesh also in the mi...


News

Gudakesh Motie's sharp spell leads Amazon Warriors to CPL 2025 final

2 hrs ago

Guyana Amazon Warriors secured their spot in the final of CPL 2025 after a tremendous 14-run victory over the St. Lucia Kings in Qualifier 1 on Thursday at Providence Stadium, Guyana. The match turned out to be a high-octane affair, with Gudakesh Motie chipping in with four wickets to cripple the St. Lucia Kings' chase. Both teams had been in exceptional form throughout the tou...


News

Pakistan storm into Super Four with dominant victory over UAE

2 hrs ago

In an incredibly thrilling encounter that unfolded at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Wednesday, Pakistan emerged victorious with a dominant 41-run win over the hosts, UAE, booking their spot in the Super Fours. The much-needed victory not only solidified Pakistan's place in the next stage of the tournament but also once again proved the team's re...


News

IND-W vs AUS-W, 1st ODI: Smriti Mandhana shatters records, blasts second-fastest hundred

16 hrs ago

Demonstrating her skilful batting performance, Indian star Smriti Mandhana crashed a 77-ball ton during the second ODI against Australia in Chandigarh, registering the second fastest hundred by an Indian woman – only behind her own record of 70 balls (against Ireland earlier this year). With the splendid hundred, Mandhana, who has been in sensational form, has joined Ta...