NZ Vs PAK: Muhammad Abbas Creates History, Breaks Krunal Pandya’s ODI Record On Debut

Cricket is a game of records, milestones, and spectacular moments that etch themselves into history. On March 29, 2025, at McLean Park in Napier, a young Muhammad Abbas added his name to the record books, delivering a blazing fifty in just 24 balls in his One-Day International (ODI) debut for New Zealand against Pakistan. This incredible achievement saw him break the previous record set by India’s Krunal Pandya, who had scored a fifty in 26 balls against England in 2021.

At just 21 years old, Abbas has already captured global attention with his fearless batting approach, and his debut innings showcased why he is considered one of the most promising all-rounders for the Black Caps.

Muhammad Abbas’ Debut Blitz: Power-Hitting at Its Finest

New Zealand, opting to bat first, found themselves in early trouble as Pakistan’s bowlers struck thrice within the first 10 overs. The hosts were reeling at 50/3, and pressure was mounting. However, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell steadied the innings with a solid 199-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Just when Pakistan was looking to contain New Zealand’s batters, in walked Muhammad Abbas at No. 6, ready to make an impact. From the moment he took guard, Abbas played with aggressive intent, taking the attack to the opposition. His explosive 52 off just 26 balls included:

3 sixes and 4 fours, demonstrating his ability to clear the boundary with ease.
A strike rate of 200, highlighting his fearless approach.
Confidence and maturity beyond his years, despite the pressure of an international debut.

His innings provided the late flourish New Zealand needed, propelling them to a formidable total of 344/9 in 50 overs.

A Family Legacy: Abbas’ Journey from Lahore to New Zealand Cricket

Muhammad Abbas’ debut wasn’t just about statistics; it was also about a remarkable journey. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Abbas moved to New Zealand at a young age, where he honed his skills in domestic cricket. His father, Azhar Abbas, was a former cricketer in Pakistan before settling in New Zealand. Cricket runs in the family, and young Abbas seems determined to carry the legacy forward on the international stage.

His domestic performances for Canterbury and the New Zealand A team had already turned heads, but it was this spectacular ODI debut that truly cemented his potential as a future star for the Black Caps.

Breaking Records: Fastest Fifty on ODI Debut

By smashing his half-century in just 24 balls, Muhammad Abbas became the fastest player to score a fifty in his ODI debut, surpassing some big names. Here’s how he compares with the previous record-holders:

Balls Taken	Player	Match	Year
24 balls	Muhammad Abbas (NZ)	vs Pakistan	2025
26 balls	Krunal Pandya (IND)	vs England	2021
26 balls	Alick Athanaze (WI)	vs UAE	2023
33 balls	Ishan Kishan (IND)	vs Sri Lanka	2021

Abbas’ record-breaking innings not only surpassed Pandya and Athanaze but also sent a message to the cricketing world—he is here to stay.

Pakistan’s Struggles Against New Zealand’s Batting Firepower

Despite some early breakthroughs, Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain New Zealand’s aggressive batting lineup. Key moments from Pakistan’s bowling effort included:

Akif Javed, on his ODI debut, impressed by taking two early wickets but lacked support from the other end.
Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s pace spearheads, failed to capitalize on early breakthroughs.
Spinners were ineffective, allowing Abbas and Chapman to accelerate freely in the middle and late overs.

Pakistan’s inability to curb the run flow in the final 10 overs proved costly, as Abbas’ rapid fifty took New Zealand’s total beyond reach.

The Impact of Abbas’ Knock on New Zealand’s Future

New Zealand has built a strong reputation for grooming young talents, and Muhammad Abbas is their latest revelation. His knock signifies several key takeaways for the Black Caps:

A Middle-Order Power-Hitter – Abbas’ ability to accelerate innings in the death overs gives New Zealand an additional finishing option.
A Future All-Rounder – While his batting stole the show, Abbas is also a capable bowler, making him a valuable all-round asset.
Fearless Approach – His aggressive batting complements New Zealand’s evolving ODI strategy, which emphasizes attacking cricket.

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, Abbas’ presence in the squad could prove to be a game-changer.

What’s Next for Muhammad Abbas?

With his record-breaking start, Abbas has set high expectations for his future in international cricket. If he continues to showcase such fearless performances, he could soon become:

A regular feature in New Zealand’s ODI and T20I squads.
A sought-after player in franchise leagues like IPL, PSL, and BBL.
A key asset for New Zealand’s 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.

As New Zealand eyes the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, Muhammad Abbas’ rise could play a crucial role in shaping their squad.

A Star is Born

Muhammad Abbas’ ODI debut was nothing short of sensational. His record-breaking 24-ball fifty has already placed him in the cricketing spotlight, and the cricketing world will be watching closely as he continues his journey.

For now, New Zealand has unearthed another gem—an aggressive, fearless, and talented young cricketer who is ready to take on the world. If his debut was just a glimpse of what’s to come, fans can expect many more thrilling knocks in the future.