Fri Mar 28 22:40:00 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand’s Arsalan Abbas Smashes Fastest ODI Half-Century on Debut
**Napier, New Zealand** – Lahore-born Mohammad Arsalan Abbas made a sensational debut for New Zealand in their first ODI against Pakistan on Saturday, March 29th. The 21-year-old all-rounder smashed a record-breaking half-century off just 24 balls, surpassing India’s Krunal Pandya’s previous record of 26 balls. Batting at number six, Abbas’s explosive innings of 52 runs included three fours and three sixes, resulting in a staggering strike rate of 200. His performance came after impressive contributions from Mark Chapman (century) and Daryl Mitchell (76 runs).
Abbas, whose father, Azhar Abbas, was also a first-class cricketer in Pakistan before moving to New Zealand, has quickly risen through the ranks. Since his debut in 2023, he has scored over 1300 runs in 21 first-class matches for Wellington, with a highest score of 130 and 12 wickets. His inclusion in the ODI team comes amidst the absence of several senior New Zealand players participating in the IPL.
The match marked a memorable debut for a young talent, highlighting the exciting potential within the New Zealand cricket team. The final paragraph about a solar eclipse is unrelated and has been omitted.
First Piper 