Chapman, Abbas and Smith see off Pakistan challenge to give NZ 1-0 series lead 2025 best
Chapman, Abbas, and Smith Shine as New Zealand Defeats Pakistan to Take 1-0 Series Lead
Introduction New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the ODI series against Pakistan with a dominant performance, thanks to outstanding displays by Mark Chapman, Chapman, Abbas and Smith see off Pakistan challenge to give NZ 1-0 series lead 2025 best Henry Smith, and Zafar Abbas. The match, played at Napier, witnessed a thrilling contest between bat and ball, but New Zealand’s resilience and depth in both departments ensured a comfortable win.
First Innings: Pakistan’s Struggle Against Disciplined Kiwi Bowling Pakistan, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, had a promising start but soon found themselves struggling against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq started positively, but Tim Southee and Trent Boult kept them in check. The introduction of Henry Smith into the attack proved pivotal as he dismissed Zaman with a sharp inswinger.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, anchored the innings with a composed 68 off 85 balls, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end. The middle order, featuring Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman, failed to build on starts. Zafar Abbas, the Kiwi all-rounder, wreaked havoc with his off-spin, picking up 3 crucial wickets and tightening the screws on Pakistan’s scoring rate. Pakistan eventually folded for a modest 225 in 48.2 overs.
New Zealand’s Chase: Chapman’s Brilliance Seals the Win New Zealand began their chase cautiously against Pakistan’s new-ball pair of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Early breakthroughs from Afridi saw the dismissal of Devon Conway and Will Young, leaving the Black Caps at 37/2. However, Mark Chapman took control of the innings with a stunning knock of 95* off 103 balls.
Chapman’s innings was marked by composure and calculated aggression, as he found able support from captain Tom Latham, who contributed 45. Together, they stitched a match-winning partnership of 112 runs, stabilizing New Zealand’s chase. Pakistan tried to claw back into the game with Shadab Khan’s leg-spin, but Chapman’s aggressive stroke play negated the threat.
Henry Smith, after shining with the ball, added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 28, guiding New Zealand home in the 46th over with 5 wickets in hand.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Mark Chapman’s Maturity – Chapman’s knock was a testament to his growing stature in New Zealand cricket, showcasing patience and match awareness.
- Zafar Abbas’ Game-Changing Spell – The off-spinner’s ability to control the middle overs and pick crucial wickets was instrumental in restricting Pakistan.
- Henry Smith’s All-Round Impact – His early breakthroughs with the ball and steady innings at the end proved decisive.
- Pakistan’s Middle-Order Struggles – Despite a good start, Pakistan’s inability to build partnerships in the middle overs cost them dearly.
- New Zealand’s Depth – The Kiwis displayed depth in both batting and bowling, with multiple players contributing to the win.
Looking Ahead With New Zealand taking a 1-0 lead in the series, Pakistan will need to regroup quickly and address their batting inconsistencies before the next ODI. The Kiwis, on the other hand, will aim to build on this victory and seal the series in the upcoming match.
The second ODI promises to be another exciting encounter as Pakistan seeks redemption, while New Zealand looks to continue their winning momentum.
