Just imagine being born in Lahore and smashing the fastest 50 against Pakistan in ODI cricket. Things can’t be more dreamy for Muhammad Abbas, and well, he has made amends for what to follow.
Muhammad Abbas made his debut for New Zealand in the first ODI match and batted, bowled, took wickets, and also fielded better.
Let’s dive deep down to learn more about the new sensation from New Zealand, Muhammad Abbas.
Muhammad Abbas Scored Fastest ODI 50 on Debut
Right when fans thought they had seen everything in ODI cricket, in comes Muhammad Abbas, who smashes the fastest ODI 50 on debut.
Coming into bat against Pakistan in the first ODI, Muhammad came into bat 3rd down, and he made use of the conditions very well. Abbas smashed the talked-about Pakistan bowling and made 50 from just 24 balls.
Playing in his very first match, Abbas was unstoppable and made runs for fun. The Kiwi batter broke the record of the fastest 50 on debut set by Krunal Pandya for 26 balls.
Who Is Muhammad Abbas?
Born to father Azhar Abbas, Muhammad Abbas is an international cricketer for New Zealand. Muhammad’s father, Azhar, played 45 first-class matches in Pakistan before coming to New Zealand.
Following his migration to New Zealand, he trained Muhammad Abbas to play for the Kiwi team. Even though Azhar migrated to New Zealand, he kept playing for Wellington and Auckland.
After completing his playing time, Azhar went on to represent the Wellington Firebirds as the coach of the team. It was the footsteps of his father that Muhammad followed and became an all-rounder.
Muhammad Abbas has been coming quickly to the top ranks with only 21 first-class matches to his name. He did make 1301 runs in the first-class arena with the help of 2 centuries and 6 fifties.
In addition, Muhammad also had 12 wickets in his name. Fair to say that something beautiful seems to be brewing for Muhammad Abbas.
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New Zealand Dominates the First ODI
Not only with the help of Muhammad Abbas, but also the whole New Zealand team did a wonderful job with the bat.
Starting with Mark Chapman’s massive century, it was Daryl Mitchell and Muhammad Abbas who made half-centuries that set the stage on fire.
By the end of 50 overs, New Zealand would have racked up 344 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. Irfan Khan stood out with 3 wickets, but the damage was done.
Pakistan Collapsed In The Chase
The chase of 345 would have been mammoth all the while. Pakistan did look in good shape and form with the bat in hand, but they couldn’t capitalize.
At one stage, they were 249 for 4 in the 38th over, but following that, the team collapsed. The lower order of Pakistan had no answer at all.
Nathan Smith took 4 wickets and broke the back of Pakistan’s chase with pace and bounce. Pakistan did lose by 73 runs and will have to do better in the next outing.
