New Zealand Shine Against Pakistan: 199 for the Fourth Wicket
At McLean Park in Napier, cricket fans witnessed a moment to remember as Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell etched their names in the record books, registering the highest ODI partnership for New Zealand against Pakistan. The duo added 199 runs for the fourth wicket, surpassing the previous record of 193 runs set by Stephen Fleming and Nathan Astle back in 2001.
Chapman played a bright and aggressive innings, scoring 132 runs off 111 balls — his career-best in ODIs. Mitchell supported the attack with a solid 76 off 84 deliveries, helping maintain the momentum. Their partnership came at a crucial time, turning the tide in New Zealand’s favor.
Strong Comeback After Early Collapse
New Zealand were under pressure early in the innings, reduced to 50/3. However, the partnership between Chapman and Mitchell became a turning point, stabilizing the innings and guiding the team to a formidable total of 344/9 — New Zealand’s second-highest ODI total against Pakistan at home.
Chapman brought up his third career ODI century in the 38th over, hitting 13 fours and 6 sixes. This was also his first 50+ score against Pakistan, taking his overall ODI tally to 868 runs at an average of 39.45, including 3 centuries and 3 fifties.
Niazi Breaks Through, but Chapman Marches On
The record-breaking partnership was eventually ended by Irfan Niazi, who dismissed Mitchell. Despite losing his partner, Chapman continued his aggressive approach and pushed New Zealand past the 300-run mark. He, too, fell to Niazi — but only after reaching his personal best. Niazi finished with three crucial wickets in the match.
Debutant Shines in Final Overs
In the dying overs, debutant Mohammad Abbas stole the show with a blistering 52 off just 26 balls, featuring three fours and three sixes. His fireworks added a powerful finish to New Zealand’s innings.
Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell celebrated his 50th ODI by raising his career tally to 1,980 runs at an average of 49.5. He continues to excel against Pakistan, scoring 622 runs at 51.83, with 2 centuries and 3 fifties to his name.
Pakistan Still Hold the Overall Record
Despite the stellar performance from Chapman and Mitchell, the overall record for the highest ODI partnership between New Zealand and Pakistan still belongs to Inzamam-ul-Haq and Aamer Sohail, who put on an unbeaten 263-run stand for the second wicket in Sharjah back in 1994.
Nevertheless, the Kiwi pair proved that even the loftiest records are there to be challenged — and perhaps, one day, broken.
