Muhammad Abbas, the 21-year-old cricketer from New Zealand, made an unforgettable start to his international career by setting a new record for the fastest fifty on ODI debut. In the first ODI against Pakistan at McLean Park, Abbas reached his fifty in just 24 balls, surpassing the previous record of 26 balls set by India’s Krunal Pandya in 2021.
Fastest Fifties on ODI Debut (All-Time List)
Mohammad Abbas (New Zealand) – 24 balls vs Pakistan in 2025
Krunal Pandya (India) – 26 balls vs England in 2021
Alick Athanaze (West Indies) – 26 balls vs UAE in 2023
Ishan Kishan (India) – 33 balls vs Sri Lanka in 2021
John Morris (England) – 35 balls vs New Zealand in 1991
Who is Muhammad Abbas?
Muhammad Abbas was born in Lahore, Pakistan, in November 2003. Cricket runs in his blood, as his father, Azhar Abbas, was a former first-class cricketer who played 45 matches for Pakistan before moving to New Zealand. Azhar continued his cricket career in New Zealand, representing Wellington and Auckland. Today, Azhar is an assistant coach for the Wellington Firebirds.
Abbas followed in his father’s footsteps, starting his cricketing journey in New Zealand. He made his name in the domestic circuit, representing Auckland and Wellington. In just 21 first-class matches for Wellington, he has scored over 1300 runs, with a personal best of 130 runs, and has also claimed 12 wickets. Abbas’s rapid rise has now earned him a place on the international stage, where he has quickly become a valuable asset for New Zealand.
New Zealand dominate Pakistan
Muhammad Abbas’ blistering innings was complemented by a remarkable century from Mark Chapman. Chapman scored 132 runs off 111 balls, laced with 13 fours and 6 sixes, leading New Zealand’s charge. Daryl Mitchell also contributed with a solid 76 runs, while Abbas’ quickfire 52 ensured the Kiwis posted a challenging total of 344/9 in their 50 overs.
New Zealand’s bowlers were equally impressive, with Nathan Smith leading the charge by taking 4 wickets for 60 runs in 8.1 overs. Jacob Duffy supported well, picking up 2 wickets for 57 runs in 9 overs. For Pakistan Babar Azam top scored with 78 runs, while Salman Agha scored 58 runs. Following the victory by 73 runs, New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Pakistan.
