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NZ vs PAK 1st ODI 2025: New Zealand Edge Pakistan in Christchurch Thriller as Debutant Liam O’Rourke Becomes Unlikely Hero
NZ vs PAK , The picturesque Hagley Oval in Christchurch witnessed a classic ODI showdown as New Zealand narrowly defeated Pakistan by 3 runs in the opening match of their 2025 series. While the clash had all the hallmarks of a blockbuster—fiery spells, a Babar Azam masterclass, and last-over drama—it was 21-year-old debutant Liam O’Rourke who etched his name into cricketing folklore, defending 12 runs in a heart-stopping final over to seal victory for the Black Caps.
Match Recap: A Tale of Grit, Collapse, and Redemption
New Zealand’s Innings: Mitchell and Phillips Steer the Ship (287/6)
New Zealand’s decision to bat first on a grassy Hagley Oval pitch initially backfired as Pakistan’s pace trio of Shaheen Afridi (2/48), Naseem Shah (1/52), and Mohammad Wasim Jr. (2/55) exploited early movement. Shaheen’s vicious inswinger trapped Devon Conway (9) lbw, while Naseem’s 145kph thunderbolt shattered Kane Williamson’s stumps for 17, leaving the hosts reeling at 53/3.
Daryl Mitchell (89 off 102) emerged as the anchor, blending caution with calculated aggression. His 85-run partnership with Tom Latham (34 off 49) stabilized the innings, but it was Glenn Phillips (47* off 28) who ignited the late fireworks. Phillips’ rampage—featuring two sixes off Haris Rauf in the 48th over—propelled New Zealand to 287/6, with 92 runs scored in the final 10 overs.
Key Moment:
- Over 43.5: Shaheen Afridi’s attempted yorker to Phillips turned into a low full toss, clubbed over mid-wicket for six. The crowd erupted, and Pakistan’s shoulders dropped.
Pakistan’s Chase: Babar’s Century in Vain (284/9)
Pakistan’s chase mirrored New Zealand’s stutter-start, losing Fakhar Zaman (12) and Imam-ul-Haq (22) early. But Babar Azam (113 off 115), in his first ODI as full-time captain since returning to the role, played a near-flawless knock. His 31st ODI century—a blend of crisp drives and wristy flicks—kept Pakistan alive.
Turning Points:
- Partnerships: Babar added 78 with Mohammad Rizwan (45 off 50) and 63 with Iftikhar Ahmed (29 off 32), steering Pakistan to 220/4 by the 42nd over.
- Collapse Trigger: With 68 needed off 48, debutant Liam O’Rourke (3/52) deceived Babar with a slower-ball bouncer, caught at deep mid-wicket. The dismissal sparked panic: Shadab Khan (9) was controversially run out via Mitchell Santner’s bullet throw, and Mohammad Nawaz (5) holed out to long-on.
- Final Over Drama:
- Needed: 12 runs | Bowler: Liam O’Rourke | Batters: Shaheen Afridi & Haris Rauf
- Ball 1: O’Rourke nails a yorker; Shaheen squeezes it to cover. Dot.
- Ball 2: Shaheen heaves to long-on; a misfield allows 2 runs.
- Ball 3: O’Rourke bowls a nervous bouncer; called WIDE.
- Ball 3 (rebowl): Shaheen swings wildly—OUT! Trent Boult takes a tumbling catch at deep square leg. Cue pandemonium!
Hero of the Day: Liam O’Rourke’s Dream Debut
The Christchurch-born seamer, plucked from domestic cricket after a standout Plunket Shield season, endured a rocky start (0/38 in his first 7 overs). But when Williamson threw him the ball for the 49th and 50th overs, O’Rourke delivered under crushing pressure.
Post-Match Reaction:
- O’Rourke: “I kept visualizing Trent Boult’s yorkers. To do this in front of my home crowd… speechless.”
- Kane Williamson: “Liam’s composure was unreal. We’ve seen his potential in the nets, but tonight he announced himself.”
Captain’s Corner: Leadership, Regrets, and Resilience
- Babar Azam (PAK): “Losing wickets in clusters cost us. Proud of the fight, but we missed that one partnership.”
- Kane Williamson (NZ): “Babar’s innings was world-class. We knew the pitch would slow down, but credit to our bowlers for adapting.”
Stats Spotlight
- Babar Azam: Fastest Pakistani to 8,000 ODI runs (166 innings), surpassing Javed Miandad (175).
- Daryl Mitchell: Now averages 72.6 vs Pakistan in ODIs—his highest against any team.
- New Zealand’s ODI Record at Hagley Oval: 8 wins in 10 matches since 2023.
Fan Reactions & Social Media Meltdown
- #NZvsPAK trended globally, with memes comparing O’Rourke’s final over to Jofra Archer’s 2019 World Cup heroics.
- Pakistan Fans: “Why did Shadab attempt that suicidal run?!”
- Kiwi Supporters: “O’Rourke for Prime Minister!”
What’s Next?
The 2nd ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton (January 12) promises more fireworks. Pakistan’s pace attack will eye swing-friendly conditions, while New Zealand aims to exploit Pakistan’s middle-order fragility.
Key Questions:
- Can Shaheen Afridi bounce back after his costly 19th over?
- Will Imam-ul-Haq rediscover his form?
- Is Liam O’Rourke the answer to New Zealand’s death-bowling woes?
The Bigger Picture
This match underscored ODI cricket’s enduring magic—a format where strategy, stamina, and nerves collide. For Pakistan, it’s a harsh reminder of their death-overs frailty. For New Zealand, it’s proof that their next generation is ready to shine.
Stay tuned to Crickets.one for more tales from the pitch—where every ball tells a story, and every heartbreak finds a voice.