Chapman, Mitchell break records as New Zealand dominates Pakistan

NAPIER: New Zealand’s Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell crafted an extraordinary partnership in the opening ODI of their three-match series against Pakistan at McLean Park, setting a new benchmark for the highest stand against Pakistan in the format.

Their 199-run partnership which steered New Zealand from a precarious position to a commanding total, surpassed the previous best for any wicket against Pakistan in ODIs, previously held by New Zealand legends Stephen Fleming and Nathan Astle.

However, the all-time highest partnership between the two sides remains the unbeaten 263-run stand by Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq and Aamer Sohail in Sharjah, 1994.

New Zealand’s innings got off to a shaky start after being sent in to bat. Early pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers saw opener Will Young dismissed for just one run in the third over.

Debutant Akif Javed made his mark early, trapping Nick Kelly for 15 with a sharp delivery that left the hosts struggling at 33-2. Akif further dented New Zealand’s top order, removing Henry Nicholls for 11 as the team teetered at 50-3 inside 13 overs.

The recovery began with Chapman and Mitchell, whose composed batting gradually shifted momentum back to New Zealand. Chapman’s steady knock included 11 boundaries and four towering sixes, reaching his century in the 38th over. Mitchell followed his teammate’s lead, scoring a blistering century off just 74 balls, allowing New Zealand to post a competitive total.

The pair’s record-breaking partnership was eventually broken when Irfan Niazi dismissed Mitchell for 76 from 84 deliveries. Chapman, however, continued his charge, smashing his way to a career-best 132 off 111 balls before being removed by Niazi at 280-5 in the 44th over.

Despite the late breakthroughs by Pakistan’s bowlers, including Haris Rauf’s quick double strike to dismiss captain Michael Bracewell (9) and Mitchell Hay (0), New Zealand continued to build. A late flourish from debutant Mohammad Abbas, who scored a quickfire 50 off just 24 balls, pushed the Kiwis to an imposing total of 344-9.

Pakistan’s bowling was led by Irfan Niazi, who picked up three crucial wickets. Akif Javed and Haris Rauf claimed two scalps each, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Ali added one wicket apiece.
New Zealand’s total of 344 sets a challenging target for Pakistan as the series opener hints at a closely fought contest between the two sides.