NZ vs PAK: Inspired by Mark Chapman's record-breaking ton, New Zealand beat Pakistan by 73 runs as Babar Azam and Salman Agha's fifties go in vain

New Zealand overpowered Pakistan in the first ODI of the series with a convincing 73-run win at McLean Park, Napier on March 29. Mark Chapman's record-breaking 132 and half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Muhammad Abbas helped New Zealand post 344/9 on the board. In the run chase, Babar Azam and Salman Agha's half-centuries went in vain as visitors were bowled out for 271. Pacer Nathan Smith starred with a four-fer as well. 

Chapman, Mitchell score big after early wickets

Earlier, Rizwan won the toss and opted to bowl first. Naseem Shah struck early with the new ball dismissing Will Young. Left-arm pacer Akif Javed was impressive on ODI debut and dismissed Nick Kelly (15), Henry Nicholls (11). Chapman and Mitchell shared a 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Irfan Khan struck in the 42nd over to break the partnership. He scored 76 runs from 84 balls. 

In the 44th over, Chapman returned to the pavillion. He scored 132 runs from 111 balls, featuring four fours and three sixes. In the slog overs, Haris Rauf struck twice to dismiss skipper Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Hay. Debutant Abbas went berserk and hit three sixes, three fours to help New Zealand post 344/9. Pakistan paid the price for not having a speciallist spinner as New Zealand accelerated towards the end. 

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Babar scores fifty 

Pakistan's run chase got off to an ideal start. Smith broke the opening partnership with Usman Khan's wicket. He scored 39 runs from 33 balls including four fours and a six. Bracewell got into the act and ended Abdullah Shafique's stay at the crease. He scored 36 runs from 49 balls. The senior pros Babar and Rizwan tried to get the innings back on track. When required run rate started climbing up, Rizwan lost his wicket to Abbas. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 30 runs from 34 balls.

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Salman runs out of partners

Babar and Agha took the game deep but the former departed when it was time to capitalise. William ORourke got his wicket. He scored 78 runs from 83 balls including five fours and a couple of sixes. After Babar's wicket, Salman fought a lone battle while wickets fellt from the other end. First, it was Jacob Duffy and then Smith mopped up the tail. Salman departed for a 48-ball 58 and Pakistan were bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs.