Napier McLean Park’s first ODI in a three-game series between New Zealand and Pakistan played an exciting moment in Game 38 Daryl Mitchell A fierce catch on the border to reject the former Pakistan captain Babar Azam. The firing proved to be a turning point for New Zealand to win 73 in the opening match of Pakistan’s tour against New Zealand.

Daryl Mitchell’s amazing border capture sends Babar Azam back

As Pakistan pursued a daunting 345 goal, Babar scored 78 points of those innings with 83 deliveries. Despite the need for constant running speed, his knock kept Pakistan’s hopes with five three-quarters and three sixes. However, he fired Pakistan’s vulnerable lower class at a critical moment, leading to a violent collapse.

The decisive moment was in the fourth goal of the New Zealand pacemaker’s 38th goal William O’Rourke Losed a short ball on Babar’s body. The Pakistani captain instinctively kept the ball flat and hard, but unfortunately it headed straight to the deep square legs where Mitchell was stationed. The ball was fast, spinning towards him, but the agile all-around ball showed unreasonable reflection and calmness, making the stunning catch just a few inches inside the boundary rope. Fully aware of his position, Mitchell immediately sent out a clean capture, shocking Babar and the Bakistani Camp.

This breakthrough is a critical moment in New Zealand, who are desperate to remove Pakistan’s resistance. After Babar left, the visiting side collapsed under pressure, losing the last 6 wickets after 22 runs. The lower order fails to provide much-needed stability, and Pakistan was eventually tied together in 44.1 points 271.

This is the video:

A key capture! Babar Azam (78)’s door fell when Daryl Mitchell grabbed his border. Follow live and free in TVNZ + & Duke and NZ @sportnationnz Online score| https://t.co/cvmr1mqn5i #NZVPAK #cricketnation pic.twitter.com/hxmjwsqyqs

– Black Hat (@blackCaps) March 29, 2025

Please read also: New Zealand vs. pak – Muhammad Abbas makes history, breaking Krunal Pandya’s ODI record

Mark Chapman leads New Zealand to victory

New Zealand’s comprehensive victory was built on the outstanding hitting performance of Mark Chapman’s career-best 132 and Daryl Mitchell’s crucial No. 75. Their 199 running booths helped the Black Hats recover from their early slide, guiding them to 344/9. Muhammad Abbas’s Quickfire fifty adds further momentum.

On the bowling front, Nathan Smith is New Zealand’s main destroyer, getting 4/60, a rattled Pakistani tail. O’Rourke’s ability to break the partnership, including the precious Babar, further cemented the home team’s dominance in the game.

From 246/3, Pakistan led New Zealand 1-0 in the ODI series, with Pakistan losing 7 wickets.#cricket #NZVPAK #NewzeAlandCricket #markchapman #babarazam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/wr5vkfo5kk

– crickettimes.com (@crickettimeshq) March 29, 2025

This stressed victory not only gave New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the series, but also highlighted Pakistan’s struggle for mid-level stability and ending capabilities.

There are two ODIs left in the series, and Pakistan will hope to rebound, while New Zealand will aim to drive its momentum.

Please read also: Fans celebrate Mark Chapman’s century as New Zealand surpasses Pakistan in the first ODI