Babar hit his fifties, but Smith’s 4-wicket haul sparked a collapse as Pakistan fell 73 runs short.
Chapman, Abbas Power NZ to Big Win
Mark Chapman dominated his favorite rivals again, smashing a career-best 132 off 111 balls in Napier. His explosive knock powered New Zealand to a commanding 73-run win over Pakistan. Pakistan had a solid start, but a 199-run stand changed the game’s momentum completely. Chapman and Daryl Mitchell built that fourth-wicket stand after early wickets troubled New Zealand. Mitchell’s gritty 76 provided balance, supporting Chapman’s elegant and aggressive innings throughout the middle overs. Muhammad Abbas added fireworks, scoring the fastest debut fifty in ODI history—off just 24 balls. His quickfire knock helped New Zealand post a huge total of 344 in their innings.
Pakistan began their chase confidently, looking well set to secure a win. Fifties from Babar Azam and Salman Agha had them cruising at 249 for 3. However, a dramatic collapse saw them lose 7 wickets for just 22 runs. From 249 for 3, Pakistan crumbled to 271 all out, falling short by 73 runs. New Zealand’s bowlers stepped up when it mattered most, sealing an incredible comeback win.
Rizwan’s decision to bowl first seemed perfect early in the game. Pakistan’s seamers exploited the conditions brilliantly, swinging the ball around corners. Naseem Shah removed Will Young early with a perfect delivery outside off. Akif Javed bowled debutant Nick Kelly, who struggled to get going. Henry Nicholls also fell cheaply, miscuing a hook shot off Akif’s pace. New Zealand’s top order appeared rattled under the pressure of Pakistan’s fiery start.
Usman, Shafique Steady Before Smith Strikes
It was surprising New Zealand didn’t strike early despite Pakistan’s nervy start. Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique both looked uncomfortable at the crease initially. Shafique eventually settled, showing glimpses of the class from his early days. Usman’s short-ball struggles were glaring but he still managed a quick 39 off 33. Nathan Smith finally dismissed him with a mistimed pull shot to midwicket.
Soon after, Shafique miscued an aggressive stroke off Michael Bracewell and departed. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings with a fluent 76-run stand. They kept the scoreboard moving while managing the rising asking rate carefully. Muhammad Abbas broke the partnership, dismissing Rizwan with a sharp catch behind the stumps. That brought the explosive Salman Agha to the middle in red-hot form.
For a while, New Zealand lost control as Babar and Agha dominated. Babar pulled Smith for six in a 21-run over to shift momentum. The chase looked in control with Pakistan needing 96 from 72 balls. The required run rate was just above eight and looked very manageable. Pakistan appeared to be cruising with Babar set on 78.
Then came the turning point—Babar fell to a mistimed pull off O’Rourke. Mitchell took a brilliant catch inches from the boundary rope. That triggered a dramatic collapse with a run-out and a first-ball duck. Irfan Niazi’s dismissal brought Naseem Shah and the tailenders to the crease. Suddenly, the chase looked impossible with Agha left to do it all.
New Zealand Seal Win as Pakistan Tail Crumbles
No serious resistance followed as New Zealand cleaned up efficiently. Smith returned to wrap up the tail with tight lines and bounce. Duffy struck the big blow when Agha holed out trying to accelerate. The final pair were left stranded with too much to do. Akif attempted one last slog, but O’Rourke ended the match with a safe catch.
Pakistan had been ahead for most of the chase until Babar’s dismissal. They lost their way in the final overs and crumbled under pressure. New Zealand turned the tide dramatically in a stunning comeback victory. What looked like a sure win became a sudden collapse. Pakistan went from control to defeat within just a few overs.
