Mark Chapman slammed his second ODI ton as New Zealand hammered Pakistan by 73 runs in the series-opener at the McLean Park in Napier. Chasing a target of 345, Pakistan were 249/3 at one stage before losing seven wickets in the space of 22 runs to collapse for 271 all out
New Zealand, batting first at McLean Park in Napier, posted 344 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Mark Chapman starred with an impressive 132, while Daryl Mitchell added 76.
The duo shared a record 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket after the Kiwis had lost their top three batters for just 50 runs.
Will Young managed only 1 run, Nick Kelly scored 15, and Henry Nicholls was dismissed for 11. Chapman’s innings featured 13 fours and 6 sixes, while Mitchell anchored the partnership with a measured knock.
Debutant Mohammad Abbas contributed a blistering cameo, scoring 52 off just 26 deliveries, including three sixes and three fours.
For Pakistan, Irfan Khan Niazi claimed three wickets, with Haris Rauf and Akif Javed taking two each. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali picked up one wicket apiece.
In response, Pakistan’s openers Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan failed to build a strong foundation. Usman was dismissed for 39, and Abdullah for 36. Captain Mohammad Rizwan fell shortly after for 30 runs.
Babar Azam, however, played a stabilising role with a composed 78 off 83 balls before being dismissed.
The match marks the ODI debuts of Aaqif Javed, Mohammad Ali, and Usman Khan for Pakistan.