New Zealand beat Pakistan by 73 runs

Mark Chapman and Nathan Smith inspired New Zealand to a massive 73-run victory over Pakistan in th first ODI played at McLean Park on Saturday.

Smith produced figures off four for 60 in 8.1 overs to bowl Pakistan out for 271 in 44.1 overs, who were chasing 345.

Pakistan had an outstand star courtesy of openers debutant Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique. They scored 83 for the first wicket.

Usman departed after scoring 39 off 33, while Shafique scored 36 before perishing to Smith and Bracewell respectively.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam made a 76-run stand for the third wicket. When things starting to go Pakistan’s way, Muhammad Abbas provided a crucial breakthrough to New Zealand by removing the Pakistan captain.

Babar then made a 85-run stand with Salam Agha to bring Pakistan back into the game. However, he tried to clear Will O’Rourke over the square-led, but only managed to find tall Daryl Mitchell at the boundary. At that stage Pakistan were 249-4.

His wicket Pakistan collapse as they were bowled out for Just 271.

Apart from Smith, Jacob Duffy bowled beautifully for his 2 for 57.

Earlier, Mark Chapman scored a brilliant ton as New Zealand set a massive 345-run target against Pakistan.

The left-hander continued his good form from T20Is as he went on to score 132 off just 111 deliveries with the help of six maximums and 13 boundaries.

He was well supported by Daryl Mitchell and debutant Mohammad Abbas, who scored half-century each.

Mitchell scored 76 off 84 – hitting four boundaries and the same number of maximum. While, Abbas shattered an ODI by scoring the fastest half-century.

He completed the half-century off just 24 ball, which is the fastest on ODI debut. Abbas went on to score 52 off 26 with help off three fours and three sixes, before perishing to Mohammad Ali on the last delivery of the innings.

The hosts finished 344-9 in their 50 overs.

For Pakistan. Haris Rauf was star of the show with the ball claiming figures off two for 38 from his 10 overs.

Debutant Akif Javed finished off 2 for 55 from his 10 overs.