New Zealand secured a commanding 73-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the three-match ODI series at McLean Park, thanks to Mark Chapman’s brilliant century and Nathan Smith’s impactful bowling.

Batting first, New Zealand overcame early setbacks to post a formidable 344-run total. Akif Javed struck early, removing Will Young for 1 and later dismissing Henry Nicholls (11) and Nick Kelly (15), reducing the hosts to 50-3. However, a game-changing 199-run partnership between Chapman and Daryl Mitchell turned the tide. Chapman displayed aggressive stroke play, smashing 11 fours and four sixes on his way to a career-best 132, while Mitchell contributed a composed 76. A rapid 50 off 24 balls by debutant Muhammad Abbas further boosted New Zealand’s total. Irfan Khan Niazi led Pakistan’s bowling with 3-51, while Akif Javed and Haris Rauf claimed two wickets each.

In response, Pakistan started strongly, with debutant Usman Khan and Abdullah Shafique forging an 83-run opening stand. However, Smith dismissed Usman for 39 in the 13th over, triggering a shift in momentum. Abdullah (36) fell soon after to captain Michael Bracewell, leaving Pakistan at 88-2.

Babar Azam (78) and Mohammad Rizwan (30) attempted to stabilize the chase with a 76-run partnership, but Abbas dismissed Rizwan in the 29th over. Babar, who later built another crucial 89-run stand with Salman Ali Agha (58), was removed by Will O’Rourke in the 39th over, marking the beginning of Pakistan’s collapse. Quick wickets, including Irfan Niazi’s golden duck and Tayyab Tahir’s run-out, left Pakistan struggling at 253-6. Smith returned to clean up the tail, finishing with 4-60, as Pakistan was bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs.

With disciplined bowling and Chapman’s match-winning knock, New Zealand clinched a convincing victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series.