New Zealand Triumphs Over Pakistan in ODI Opener

New Zealand claimed a decisive 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI at Napier, with Mark Chapman's career-best 132 off 111 balls anchoring their innings to 344-9. After being reduced to 50-3 by Pakistan's seamers, Chapman and Daryl Mitchell (76) forged a critical 199-run partnership to stabilize the innings. Debutant Muhammad Abbas provided a stunning finish with a rapid 52 off 25 balls, setting a world record for the fastest ODI fifty on debut. Pakistan, at one point well-placed at 249-3, collapsed dramatically due to Nathan Smith's 4-60 spell, finishing at 271 all out. Babar Azam's 78 and Salman Agha's 58 were insufficient, as Pakistan's lower order faltered under pressure. The absence of a specialist spinner and conceding 43 extras further compounded Pakistan's challenges in this match.