Match Overview and Toss Decision
Napier, March 29, 2025 – The first ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand erupted into action today at McLean Park, Napier. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to capitalize on early seam-friendly conditions under cloudy skies. Rizwan’s strategy leaned heavily on pace, with Pakistan fielding a four-seamer attack and no specialist spinner.
Pakistan XI
Their XI includes Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Irfan Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali, Haris Rauf, and Akif Javed.
New Zealand XI
Host New Zealand, captained by Michael Bracewell, opted for a versatile lineup: Michael Bracewell (c), Nick Kelly, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Muhammad Abbas, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, and William O’Rourke.
New Zealand’s First Innings: A Mammoth 344-9
New Zealand set a daunting target of 344-9 in 50 overs, propelled by a masterful century from Mark Chapman and a solid fifty from Daryl Mitchell.
Pakistan’s bowlers made an early dent when Naseem Shah dismissed Will Young for 1, caught by Salman Ali Agha at slip. Debutant Akif Javed struck twice, leaving the Kiwis at 75-3 after 20 overs, but a game-changing 199-run stand between Chapman and Mitchell turned the tide.
Muhammad Abbas chipped in with a late flourish, exploiting Pakistan’s lack of spin options. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah struggled to contain the onslaught, conceding runs on a pitch that offered initial help but flattened out, handing New Zealand a commanding total.
Pakistan’s Chase: Progress and Key Moments
Pakistan’s pursuit of 345 began with promise, reaching 238–3 in 37 overs.
Openers Abdullah Shafique (36 off 49) and Usman Khan (39 off 33) forged a brisk 64-run partnership, setting a positive tone. Nathan Smith broke through, dismissing Usman, while Jacob Duffy’s extra bounce accounted for Shafique.
Captain Rizwan steadied the ship with 30 off 34 before debutant Muhammad Abbas snared him, caught behind by Mitchell Hay—a turning point.
Babar Azam, unbeaten on 72 off 78, has anchored the innings with trademark poise, joined by Salman Ali Agha (40* off 28), who faces immediate pressure to accelerate. The chase now hinges on this pair’s ability to bridge the gap.
Pakistan’s Chase: A Rollercoaster Ride
Pakistan’s pursuit began solidly, reaching 168-3 after 30 overs. Abdullah Shafique (36 off 49) and Usman Khan (39 off 33) laid a 64-run foundation before Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy struck. Rizwan’s 30 off 34 ended via debutant Abbas’s catch behind.
Babar Azam’s 78 off 83 anchored the innings until his exit, triggering a collapse. Tayyab Tahir (1 off 3) and Irfan Khan (golden duck, 0 off 1) fell quickly, exposing frailties. Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten 55 off 44 has kept hopes flickering, but Naseem Shah’s 0 off 5 reflects mounting pressure.
Criticism and Challenges Ahead
Pakistan’s spin-less strategy backfired, allowing New Zealand’s batsmen to dominate late. Babar’s cautious 78, while vital, slowed the tempo, drawing for not accelerating. The rapid fall of Tayyab and Irfan—golden duck included—highlights a brittle middle order, while Naseem’s batting limitations compound woes.
New Zealand’s relentless pressure, sharp fielding, and Bracewell’s guile have exposed Pakistan’s lack of depth.
Prediction: A Likely Kiwi Triumph
New Zealand’s 344-9 looks increasingly secure. Pakistan’s 266-6 requires a miracle—Salman Agha must unleash a blitz, and Naseem or Haris Rauf must somehow contribute. A 4-wicket win remains mathematically possible if they smash 79 in 48 balls, but New Zealand’s control suggests a 30-40 run victory.
Salman’s fight keeps the door ajar, but the Kiwis’ bowling depth and Pakistan’s depleted lineup point to a home win barring an extraordinary twist.
My name is Rashid Nawaz. I have completed my degree in Mass Communication from South Asia University, Lahore, Pakistan. I have started my career as a News reporter and editor from the local Newspaper and now I am writing for different News websites, The Daily News Times is one of those great sites.
