Black Cap Muhammad Abbas hits fastest 50 on ODI debut

Pakistan born Muhammad Abbas had a great debut for New Zealand in the first ODI against Pakistan. Abbas played brilliant inning of 52 in 26 balls to help New Zealand post a strong total of 344-9 in 50 overs. 

New Zealand lost the top order early and were reeling at 50-3 before Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell added a 199-run partnership. Mitchell departed for 76, but Chapman went on to score a hundred. He made 132 in 111 before being dismissed.

The mini collapse allowed Pakistan to bounce back, and at 306-8 in the 47th over, it looked like New Zealand will finish around the 320 run mark. However, Abbas played a magnificent inning to take New Zealand close to the 350 run mark.

Muhammad Abbas Creates History

Meanwhile, Abbas reached the fifty in just 24 balls and became the first player in the world to score an ODI fifty on debut in less than 25 balls. The record for the fastest ODI fifty on Debut was held by Krunal Pandya, who scored a fifty in 26 balls.

Fastest Fifty On Debut

• 24 balls - Muhammad Abbas NZ vs PAK, 2025
• 26 balls - Krunal Pandya IND vs ENG, 2021
• 26 balls - Alick Athanaze WI vs UAE , 2023
• 33 balls - Ishan Kishan IND vs SL 2021

Pakistan suffered a 4-1 defeat in the T20I series and they have an uphill task on hand in the first ODI. 

Pakistan got off to a good start in the chase, with Abdullah Shafique and Usman Khan adding fifty partnership, however, both fell in quick succession. Babar Azam has scored a fifty and is looking solid. 

At 193-3 in 34 overs, Pakistan are still a long way away and they would need a big effort from Babar to get close to the target.

Source: Times Now
--Agencies