New Zealand outplayed Pakistan in the first ODI of the series at Napier, beating the visitors by 73 runs to take an early 1-0 lead in the series.

It was another clinical performance with both bat and ball by the Black Caps following their successful T20I series. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to struggle with consistency.

The Pakistan pacers may have got the better of the top three Kiwi batters, reducing New Zealand to 50-3 at one stage. However, the middle order quickly rescued the hosts as Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, and debutant Muhammad Abbas ensured the team reached a formidable total of 344 in the end.

Unlike the New Zealand openers, the Pakistan openers started well but failed to convert their starts. The partnership between Pakistan star batter Babar Azam and Salman Agha got Pakistan back into the game, but the Kiwis managed to take wickets in quick succession, keeping the pressure on the Green Shirts. Nathan Smith starred with the ball, claiming a four-wicket haul, and Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 271 runs.

Mark Chapman breaks three-year ODI century drought

While the performances of Mitchell (76 off 84) and Abbas (52 off 26) were commendable, this day belonged to Kiwi middle-order batter Mark Chapman. Coming in at a difficult period, he scored his third ODI century in this encounter. Chapman smashed 132 runs off just 111 deliveries, including 13 fours and six sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 118.91.

This explosive innings also ended his three-year century drought in ODI cricket. His last century before this game was in 2022 against Scotland. Chapman was named Player of the Match for his innings and was involved in a crucial 199-run partnership with Mitchell, which was the turning point in the match, helping the Kiwis establish dominance.