TOP STORIES
NZ vs PAK 1st ODI: Chapman, Abbas, Smith lift New Zealand to victory
On Saturday, New Zealand secured a commanding victory over Pakistan in the first ODI of their three-match series, taking a 1-0 lead. Mark Chapman’s massive innings and a record-breaking debut for Muhammad Abbas, launched New Zealand to a 73-run victory.
Meanwhile, despite a valiant effort from Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Salman Agha, who scored 78 and 58 respectively, Pakistan fell short in their chase of a monumental total of 344. They were bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs.
Asked to bat, Black Caps proved to be a masterstroke as they set a massive target for Pakistan. The Kiwi batsmen delivered a brilliant performance, with Mark Chapman leading the charge. Chapman played a sensational knock, amassing a brilliant 132 runs. He stitched a match-changing 199-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell (76 off 84) to lift the side to a big total. Chapman’s 132 was particularly impressive as it provided New Zealand with a platform for a good score.
Later, debutant Muhammad Abbas, who contributed a quickfire 52, set a new record for the fastest 50 by a batter on debut in men’s ODIs. He brought up his half-century off just 24 balls. In reply, Pakistan had their task cut out, but their chase never gained full momentum, thanks to the efforts of New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Nathan Smith, who returned with four wickets.
Pakistan’s chase started on a promising note, but the loss of early wickets put them under pressure. Returning batter Babar Azam played a brilliant knock of 78 runs to keep the chase alive but he didn’t get the required support from the other end. Salman Agha, who has been in impressive form recently, also played a valuable hand with 58 runs, but without a significant partnership, Pakistan failed to go over the line.
Tags
More News
Washington Sundar out of T20I series against New Zealand
Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, dealing a crushing blow ahead of the T20I World Cup 2026. The series against New Zealand, scheduled to be played from January 21 to 31, is being seen as a crucial phase in India’s build-up to the global tournament, which begins on February 7.
"Washington Sundar has b...
"He's 22": Hanuma Vihari defends Nitish Reddy amid selection scrutiny
Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy's inclusion in the Indian playing XI for the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand has drawn mixed reactions. Amid the chatter, veteran batter Hanuma Vihari has defended the youngster, urging patience. Reddy was slotted into the team following an injury to Washington Sundar in the first ODI that ruled the spin-bowling all-...
Pakistan confirm squads for white-ball series against South Africa women
Pakistan have named their squads for both the T20I and ODI series for their upcoming tour of South Africa, confirming that Fatima Sana will continue to lead the team in both formats. Pakistan Women have brought in a fresh phase of rebuilding by naming uncapped batter Saira Jabeen and fast bowler Humna Bilal in their T20I squad....
"We keep talking about developing him": Indian coach gives brutal assessment of Nitish Reddy's performance
Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate gave an honest assessment in the wake of India’s defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday in Rajkot. Doeschate spoke candidly on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performances while also flagging concerns about captain Rohit Sharma’s match readiness.
Reddy, who was the only change in India’s playing XI for the seco...
Canada unveil T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Canada have unveiled their 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026. All-rounder Dilpreet Bajwa has been named captain and will lead the side as they look to make an impact on the global stage.
Canada are featuring in Group D, alongside South Africa, New Ze...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram