Sat Mar 29 02:50:00 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Debutant Muhammad Abbas Smashes World Record
**Wellington, NZ** – Muhammad Abbas, making his One Day International (ODI) debut for New Zealand against Pakistan, has set a new world record. Abbas blazed to a 52-run half-century off just 24 balls, eclipsing the previous record held by India’s Krunal Pandya.
Pandya’s record of 26 balls for a half-century on ODI debut, achieved against England in 2021, has now been surpassed by Abbas’s remarkable feat. This makes Abbas the fastest to reach fifty in a debut ODI match. Ishan Kishan (33 balls) and former England players Roland Butcher (35 balls) and John Morris (35 balls) now occupy the third, fourth, and fifth positions respectively.
Abbas’s explosive innings, which included three fours and three sixes, helped New Zealand post a challenging 344/9 in their 50 overs. Mark Chapman top-scored for the hosts with 132 runs, while Daryl Mitchell contributed 76. Pakistan, after winning the toss, elected to bowl first.
The 26-year-old Abbas, son of former first-class cricketer Azhar Abbas (who played for both Pakistan and New Zealand), honed his skills playing for Wellington. His impressive T20 career, which includes seven centuries before the age of 14, and a standout performance in the Ford Trophy (340 runs at an average of 42.50, along with five wickets) led to his selection in the ODI squad. His recent strong performances in February secured him a place in the national team.
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