New Zealand kicked off their three-match ODI series against Pakistan with a 73-run victory on March 28, 2025, at McLean Park in Napier.
Batting first, the hosts scored 344 runs for 9 wickets in 50 overs, then bowled out Pakistan for 271 runs, securing a convincing victory in the series opener.
Mark Chapman led the charge with a dazzling 132, smashing 13 fours and 6 sixes. Daryl Mitchell supported with a solid 76, forging a record-breaking 199-run fourth-wicket stand. The duo rescued New Zealand from a shaky 50 for 3, after Will Young (1), Nick Kelly (15), and Henry Nicholls (11) fell early.
New Zealand win the first ODI by 73 runs.#NZvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/5hLt1fOQ83
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 29, 2025Debutant Mohammad Abbas chipped in late, blasting 52 off 26 balls with three sixes and three fours. Pakistan’s Irfan Khan Niazi grabbed three wickets, while Haris Rauf and Akif Javed took two each.
Pakistan’s chase faltered early. Openers Abdullah Shafique (36) and Usman Khan (39) couldn’t build momentum, and captain Mohammad Rizwan departed for 30. Babar Azam steadied the ship with a composed 78 off 83 balls, but his exit sparked a collapse, ending Pakistan’s hopes at 271. Aaqib Javed, Mohammad Ali, and Usman Khan made their ODI debuts for Pakistan.
Read: New Zealand vs Pakistan 1st ODI: Live Streaming and Telecast Details
Fresh off a 4-1 T20I series win over Pakistan, New Zealand heads into the second ODI on Sunday at the same venue with confidence.
