Mark Chapman scored a brilliant 132 runs to help the Black Caps beat Pakistan by 73 runs in the first One Day International (ODI) at McLean Park. The match took place in Napier, where New Zealand’s strong batting and sharp bowling gave them a clear win to start the series.
New Zealand batted first and scored a big total of 344 runs for 9 wickets. The highlight was a powerful 199-run partnership between Chapman and Daryl Mitchell, who added 75 runs. Chapman’s 132 was his highest score in a one-day match.
Newcomer Muhammad Abbas also played a fast and exciting innings at the end, scoring 50 runs from just 26 balls.
Pakistan started their chase well, reaching 83 before losing their first wicket. But after their captain Babar Azam was dismissed for 78, the team quickly collapsed. They lost their last six wickets for only 22 runs.
Nathan Smith led the New Zealand bowlers with 4 wickets for 60 runs. Will O’Rourke and Abbas also took key wickets, including Pakistan’s top players.
This win gives New Zealand a 1–0 lead in the series.
