Chapman’s ton and Pakistan’s collapse hand New Zealand 1-0 series lead

Mark Chapman delivered yet another masterclass against Pakistan, his career-best 132 off 111 balls forming the backbone of New Zealand's 73-run victory in Napier on 29 March. A crucial fourth-wicket stand of 199 runs with Daryl Mitchell (76) helped New Zealand recover from early setbacks to post a commanding 344-9. Debutant Muhammad Abbas then lit up McLean Park, smashing the fastest ODI half-century on debut, reaching the milestone in just 24 balls.

Pakistan, despite an encouraging start to their chase, crumbled from 249-3 to 271 all out in a dramatic collapse. Nathan Smith (4-60) played a key role in triggering the downfall, dismantling Pakistan's lower order in a devastating spell.

New Zealand recover from early wobble

After being sent in to bat, New Zealand found themselves in trouble at 50-3 as Pakistan's seamers made the most of the lively conditions. Naseem Shah dismissed Will Young early, while debutant Akif Javed sent back Nick Kelly and Henry Nicholls to leave the hosts struggling.

However, Chapman and Mitchell steadied the innings, countering Pakistan's attack with patience before taking full control. The visitors, fielding only four frontline bowlers, were forced to introduce part-timers, which Chapman exploited ruthlessly. His aggressive approach dismantled Salman Agha's off-spin, while Irfan Khan, having never bowled in a List A match before, was handed the daunting task of containing New Zealand's charge. Chapman reached his hundred with a straight drive for four and celebrated with a roar, knowing his innings had changed the game.

Once Chapman and Mitchell departed, 21-year-old Abbas provided a sensational finishing touch, hammering 52 off 25 balls, including a stunning six off Shaheen Afridi. His record-breaking effort powered New Zealand to 344-9, scoring 166 runs in the last 15 overs.

Babar and Agha lead the charge before Pakistan collapse

Pakistan's response was filled with promise early on. Usman Khan (39) and Abdullah Shafique (33) overcame a testing spell before falling in quick succession. However, Babar Azam (78) and Mohammad Rizwan (37) stabilised the innings, adding 76 runs to keep the chase on track.

It was Abbas who provided the breakthrough, forcing Rizwan into an edge behind. Agha, in red-hot form, joined Babar and together they appeared to have seized control, with Babar playing some exquisite strokes, including a majestic pull for six off Smith. At 249-3, Pakistan seemed to be cruising, needing 96 from 68 balls.

But the momentum shifted dramatically when Babar miscued a pull off Will O'Rourke to deep square leg, departing for 78. From there, Pakistan unravelled. Agha kept fighting with a brisk 58, but the lower order failed to offer resistance. A mix-up led to a run-out, while Irfan Niazi fell for a first-ball duck. Smith then wrapped up the innings clinically, with Pakistan losing their final seven wickets for just 22 runs.

Agha eventually holed out in the deep, and when Akif Javed skied a catch to O'Rourke, Pakistan's fight was over. The visitors, who had controlled large parts of the chase, had let victory slip through their fingers.

New Zealand, now 1-0 up in the series, will look to seal the series in the second ODI in Hamilton on 2 April.