New Zealand's young batsman, Mohammad Abbas, set a new record in his One Day International (ODI) debut against Pakistan. Abbas achieved this feat in the first ODI match played in Napier, smashing a half-century off just 24 balls.
Sports News: Pakistan-born Mohammad Abbas made his ODI debut for New Zealand on March 29th. Abbas's performance significantly bolstered New Zealand's effort. New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 73 runs in the first ODI match played in Napier. Although New Zealand lost their top order early, a magnificent 199-run partnership between Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings.
This partnership helped New Zealand post a challenging total of 345 runs for Pakistan to chase. Excellent New Zealand bowling restricted Pakistan to 271 runs. This victory gave New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Mohammad Abbas's Historic Innings
Playing for New Zealand against Pakistan in the first ODI, Mohammad Abbas displayed explosive batting. He scored a half-century off 24 balls, setting a new record for the fastest fifty on ODI debut. This record not only cemented his place in cricket history but also significantly contributed to his team's b position. New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first in the first ODI match.
However, the team's top order collapsed early. Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell's 199-run partnership rescued the innings. Chapman scored 132 runs, and Mitchell contributed 76. Mohammad Abbas then arrived and played a blistering knock, scoring 52 runs off 26 balls. His innings included six sixes and three fours. Thanks to his aggressive batting, New Zealand reached a formidable total of 344 runs.
Abbas's Record-Breaking Performance
Mohammad Abbas broke Krunal Pandya's record for the fastest fifty on ODI debut. Pandya achieved this feat in 2021 against England, scoring his fifty off 26 balls. After Abbas, the list includes West Indies' Alzarri Joseph, who scored a fifty off 26 balls against the UAE in 2023.
24 balls - Mohammad Abbas (New Zealand vs Pakistan) - 2025
26 balls - Krunal Pandya (India vs England) - 2021
26 balls - Alzarri Joseph (West Indies vs UAE) - 2023
33 balls - Ishan Kishan (India vs Sri Lanka) - 2021
