Mark Chapman inflicted misery upon his favourite opponents Pakistan once more, a career-best 132 off 111 balls helping New Zealand to a 73-run victory in their first ODI in Napier yesterday.
A strong start from Pakistan’s bowlers came undone by a 199-run fourth wicket partnership between Chapman and Daryl Mitchell, whose grittier 76 came in the slipstream of Chapman’s more regal knock. It was topped off by a cameo from Pakistan-born New Zealand debutant Muhammad Abbas, who scored the quickest 50 on debut in ODI history, taking 24-balls to get there as the hosts posted 344.
Pakistan’s response for large periods suggested they were well on course for victory. Fifties from Babar Azam and Salman Agha put Pakistan in pole position before Pakistan collapsed from 249 for 3 to 271 all out, losing three wickets for four runs as New Zealand turned the tables to seal a victory that was, for long periods, less comfortable than the final scorecard.
Scores:
New Zealand: 344 for 9 (Chapman 132, Mitchell 76, Abbas 52, Irfan 3/51)
Pakistan: 271 (Babar 78, Agha 58, Smith 4/60
