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PAK vs NZ Highlights: Babar's Efforts In Vain As Nathan Smith's 4-fer Derails Pakistan's Chase In 1st ODI

Soumyajit Dutta

New Zealand [Source: @TOKSports021/X]New Zealand [Source: @TOKSports021/X]

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Pakistan's T20I woes are continuing in the 1st ODI series as well. The Mohammed Rizwan-led side failed to book a win in the first ODI as New Zealand exposed the middle-order despite a strong start during the chase with valiant efforts from Babar Azam.

Let's take a look at how things panned out during the PAK vs NZ match at McLean Park.

Shah, Javed Scare New Zealand With Early Wickets

Naseem Shah and Akif Javed gave Pakistan a strong start by dismissing New Zealand’s top order early in the innings. Shah struck first by removing opener Will Young for just 1 run off 11 balls, with Salman taking a comfortable catch. 

Javed then made an impact by dismissing Nick Kelly, who struggled to get going and was bowled after scoring 15 off 29 deliveries. The pressure mounted on the visitors as Henry Nicholls followed soon after, contributing only 11 runs before edging one to Babar Azam off Javed’s bowling.

With the Kiwis reeling at 50/3 in 12.4 overs, Shah and Javed successfully curtailed New Zealand’s scoring rate and put the hosts in a commanding position. However, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell had other plans.

Chapman's Century, Mitchell's Attack Put The Kiwis In Command

After a shaky start, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell staged a remarkable recovery, steering the innings back on track. Chapman led the fightback with a brilliant knock of 132 off 111 balls, laced with 13 fours and 6 sixes. 

He stitched a crucial 199-run partnership with Mitchell, who contributed a composed 76 off 84 balls, ensuring New Zealand gained momentum in the middle overs. Their partnership not only stabilized the innings but also laid a solid foundation for a strong finish.

Following Mitchell's departure, Muhammad Abbas provided a quick-fire 52 off just 26 balls. His aggressive stroke play in the death overs propelled New Zealand’s total, ensuring they crossed the 340-run mark. 

Though Chapman fell in the 44th over to Niazi, Pakistan's pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets, his century proved vital in giving New Zealand the upper hand, transforming their position from a precarious 50/3 to a formidable total of 344/9.

Babar Azam Gives Strong Start To Pakistan's Chase

Pakistan began their chase of 345 with confidence, thanks to solid contributions from the top order and a composed innings by Babar Azam. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan provided a steady start, putting together 83 runs for the first wicket. 

Shafique played a patient knock of 36 off 49 balls, while Usman injected momentum with a brisk 39 off 33 deliveries, including 4 fours and 2 sixes, before falling to Nathan Smith in the 13th over.

Babar Azam then took charge and anchored the innings with a well-paced 78 off 83 balls, blending caution with aggression. His knock included 5 boundaries and 3 sixes, keeping Pakistan in the hunt. 

Azam found valuable support from Mohammad Rizwan, who contributed a steady 30 off 34 balls. The duo added 76 runs for the third wicket, stabilizing the chase after early setbacks. Even after Rizwan’s departure in the 29th over, Babar continued to build the innings, ensuring Pakistan stayed on course. 

Nathan Smith's 4-Wicket Haul Denies Pakistan 1st ODI Win

Pakistan's chase took a drastic turn after Babar Azam’s dismissal at 249/4 in the 39th over, as Nathan Smith and the other New Zealand bowlers tightened the screws to derail the innings. Babar fell to William O’Rourke after miscuing a shot to Daryl Mitchell. His wicket left Pakistan needing 96 runs from 68 balls, but the lower order crumbled under pressure.

Nathan Smith, who had earlier removed Usman Khan, returned to clean up the tail with precision finishing with impressive figures of 4/60 in 8.1 overs. Jacob Duffy also chipped in by dismissing the dangerous Agha Salman, who was looking to accelerate with 58 off 48 balls. Salman’s wicket in the 44th over effectively sealed Pakistan’s fate. 

The tail failed to resist as Pakistan’s innings folded at 271 in 44.1 overs, handing New Zealand a convincing 73-run victory. Smith’s clinical spell, coupled with disciplined efforts from Duffy, O’Rourke, and Bracewell, ensured New Zealand’s dominance in the closing stages with a 73-run win.