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PAK vs NZ: Pakistan lose first ODI with New Zealand to take 1–0 lead

PAK vs NZ: Pakistan lose first ODI with New Zealand to take 1–0 lead

Express Tribune29-03-2025

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New Zealand have defeated Pakistan in the first one-day international on Friday by 73 runs.
Pakistan were bowled out for 271 in pursuit of a 345-run target set by hosts New Zealand in the opening match of the three-game ODI series.
New Zealand, batting first at McLean Park in Napier, posted 344 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Mark Chapman starred with an impressive 132, while Daryl Mitchell added 76.
The duo shared a record 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket after the Kiwis had lost their top three batters for just 50 runs.
Will Young managed only 1 run, Nick Kelly scored 15, and Henry Nicholls was dismissed for 11. Chapman's innings featured 13 fours and 6 sixes, while Mitchell anchored the partnership with a measured knock.
Debutant Mohammad Abbas contributed a blistering cameo, scoring 52 off just 26 deliveries, including three sixes and three fours.
For Pakistan, Irfan Khan Niazi claimed three wickets, with Haris Rauf and Akif Javed taking two each. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali picked up one wicket apiece.
In response, Pakistan's openers Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan failed to build a strong foundation. Usman was dismissed for 39, and Abdullah for 36. Captain Mohammad Rizwan fell shortly after for 30 runs.
Babar Azam, however, played a stabilising role with a composed 78 off 83 balls before being dismissed.
The match marks the ODI debuts of Aaqib Javed, Mohammad Ali, and Usman Khan for Pakistan.
Pakistan playing XI:
Abdullah Shafique, Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Aaqib Javed, Mohammad Ali.
The second ODI is scheduled to take place in the same venue on Sunday.
New Zealand had recently defeated Pakistan 4–1 in the preceding five-match T20I series.

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