Islamabad, 29 March 2025: Pakistan had a difficult start to the ODI series against New Zealand at McLean Park, conceding costly extras in the opener.
The visitors gave away 43 extras in the first innings, marking one of their highest totals in ODI history.
The Men in Green had previously conceded more extras only twice—47 against New Zealand (1999) and 44 against Sri Lanka (1990) and New Zealand (2003).
New Zealand, after electing to bat first, lost an early wicket when Will Young departed for just one run in the third over.
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Debutant Akif Javed struck early, removing Nick Kelly (15) and Henry Nicholls (11), reducing New Zealand to 50-3.
Despite Pakistan’s promising start, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a crucial 100-run stand.
Chapman smashed his third ODI century in the 38th over, while Mitchell’s 74-ball hundred turned the game in New Zealand’s favor.
The 199-run partnership was finally broken when Irfan Niazi dismissed Mitchell for 76 off 84 deliveries.
Chapman continued his aggressive approach but eventually departed for a career-best 132 off 111 balls when New Zealand had reached 280-5.
Haris Rauf then struck twice in the 46th over, removing captain Michael Bracewell for 9 and Mitchell Hay for a duck. Niazi later dismissed Nathan Smith for 2.
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Towards the end, debutant Mohammad Abbas played a blistering knock, scoring his maiden ODI fifty off just 24 balls, which included three fours and three sixes.
His efforts propelled New Zealand to a commanding total of 344-9.
For Pakistan, Irfan Niazi was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Haris Rauf and Akif Javed claimed two each.
Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali chipped in with one apiece. With a steep target ahead, the Green Shirts faces a challenging task to level the series.
