Mark Chapman delivered a sublime century and Nathan Smith claimed four wickets on Saturday as New Zealand secured a 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first one-day international in Napier.
Chapman’s career-best 132 runs formed the backbone of New Zealand’s imposing 344-9 at McLean Park, before Pakistan’s promising chase collapsed to be all out for 271 in the 45th over.
The tourists appeared to be on track at 249-3, needing 96 runs to win with more than 11 overs remaining.
However, seamer Smith (4-60) sparked a late collapse, with the last seven wickets falling for just 22 runs.
Earlier, Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 78 off 83 balls, but his dismissal triggered a batting collapse.
Salman Agha contributed a defiant 58 off 48 balls, but he was let down by a series of poor shots from lower-order teammates as New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chapman’s 111-ball innings featured 13 fours and four sixes, rescuing New Zealand from early trouble after they were reduced to 50-3.
The left-hander forged a 199-run fourth-wicket partnership with Daryl Mitchell (76 off 84) before the home side’s innings was concluded in record-breaking fashion by debutant all-rounder Muhammad Abbas.
Pakistan-born Abbas struck 52, setting a world record for the fastest half-century on debut, reaching 50 off just 24 balls.
Pakistan’s seam-heavy attack capitalized on lively bounce but were punished later in the innings.
Left-arm quick Akif Javed claimed 2-55 on his international debut, but the best figures were recorded by part-time seamer Irfan Khan, who took 3-51 off five expensive overs at the death.
Both teams featured numerous changes from the sides that contested the five-match T20 series, won 4-1 by New Zealand.
The second match of the series is scheduled for Wednesday in Hamilton.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (capt), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed
New Zealand: Nick Kelly, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (capt), Muhammad Abbas, Mitch Hay, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke
