PAK vs NZ: Muhammad Abbas of New Zealand surpasses India's Krunal Pandya and creates this massive record
New Zealand National Cricket Team's debutant Muhammad Abbas showcased an explosive batting performance in the first One Day International versus Pakistan at the Mclean Park in Napier on Saturday, creating a new record for slamming the quickest fifty on ODI debut. The 21-year-old reached the 50 run mark in just 24 balls, surpassing Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya, who previously held the record with a half-century in 26 deliveries versus England in 2021.
For Pakistan, left handed batsman Nasir Jamshed still holds the record of scoring the qucikest fifty on ODI debut, achieving the feat in 40 balls versus Zimbabwe in 2008.
List of players to have slammed the fastest fifty on ODI Debut
Muhammad Abbas of New Zealand in 24 balls versus Pakistan in 2025
Krunal Pandya of India in 26 balls versus England in 2021
Alick Athanaze of the West Indies in 26 balls versus the UAE in 2023
Ishan Kishan of India in 33 balls versus Sri Lanka in 2021
John Morris of England in 35 balls versus New Zealand in 1991
In the first game of the series, Mark Chapman's tenacious century helped New Zealand to a respectable 344-9. Opening batsman Will Young was dismissed for just one run in the third over, putting the hosts in early difficulties.
New Zealand was suffering at 33-2 in 8.2 overs as debutant Akif Javed made an immediate impression by removing Nick Kelly for 15 with a crisp inswinger. After Henry Nicholls was dismissed for 11 by Akif, the Kiwis faltered to 50-3 in 12.4 overs.
The tide shifted in favor of New Zealand when Chapman and Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings with a vital 100-run stand, despite Pakistan's disciplined bowling. The Southpaw slammed four sixes and 11 fours to reach his third One Day International Hundred in the 38th over of the match, while Mitchell, on the other hand, also played a fabulous knock of 76 runs, solidifying the dominance of the hosts.
The record-breaking partnership of 199 runs between Chapman & Mitchell was eventually broken by Irfan Khan Niazi as he dismissed the latter for 76 runs in 84 balls. Chapman though carried on with his aggressive approach, taking the Michael Bracewell-led side past the 300 run mark before getting dismissed after playing a career-best knock og 132 runs in 111 deliveries at 280-5 in 43 overs.
Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf struck two blows to the Kiwis in the 46th over, getting the wickets of Mitchell Hay (0 runs) and New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell (9 runs), while medium-fast bowler Irfan got his third scalp of the game by sending Nathan Smith (2 runs) back to the dugout.
New Zealand reached a commanding 344-9 in the closing stages thanks to a spectacular 50 off only 24 balls from debutant Abbas, which included three fours and three sixes.
Irfan Niazi spearheaded Pakistan's bowling effort with three wickets, followed by Akif Javed and Haris Rauf with two each. Mohammad Ali and Naseem Shah both contributed one wicket.
Do Read: Mark Chapman & Will Smith star as New Zealand crush Pakistan by 73 runs in the first ODI