Sat Mar 29 05:40:00 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Pile on 345 Against Pakistan in ODI Thriller
**Napier, New Zealand:** New Zealand posted a commanding 344/9 against Pakistan in the first ODI at Napier, setting a challenging target for the visitors. A stunning century from Mark Chapman (132) and a blistering cameo from debutant Muhammad Abbas (52 off 26) propelled the Black Caps to a formidable total.
Pakistan’s early bowling was promising, with Naseem Shah and Akif Javed claiming early wickets to leave New Zealand reeling at 50/3. However, a monumental 198-run partnership between Chapman and Daryl Mitchell (76) rescued the innings. Chapman’s patient fifty blossomed into a magnificent century, while Mitchell provided solid support.
Irfan Khan briefly stemmed the flow, dismissing both Chapman and Mitchell in consecutive overs. But Abbas exploded in the death overs, smashing three fours and three sixes to propel New Zealand past 340.
Pakistan’s bowling struggled, particularly in the middle overs where the absence of a specialist spinner proved costly. Their fifth bowling option conceded a hefty 118 runs in 10 overs, further compounded by 43 extras conceded. Pakistan now faces a daunting chase in their bid to level the series.
First Piper 