Dubai: Cricket has a way of scripting unforgettable moments, and Muhammad Abbas just lived one. The 21-year-old, born in Lahore but raised in Auckland, made his ODI debut for New Zealand — against none other than Pakistan, the country where his father, Azhar Abbas, once plied his trade as a first-class cricketer. While Azhar’s career never reached the international stage, his son made an immediate impact, marking his arrival with a record-breaking fifty in Napier.
For Abbas, the match was more than just a debut — it was a full-circle moment. While his father once pursued his cricketing dreams in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, Muhammad carved his own path in New Zealand, earning a national call-up after impressive domestic performances. And when the moment arrived, he grabbed it with both hands, smashing the fastest fifty on ODI debut in just 24 balls, eclipsing the record set by India’s Krunal Pandya.
Blistering cameo
New Zealand’s dominant performance was anchored by Mark Chapman’s sublime century and Nathan Smith’s four-wicket haul, powering the hosts to a commanding 73-run victory. Chapman’s career-best 132 off 111 balls helped New Zealand post a formidable 344-9 at McLean Park. Pakistan started promisingly but faltered, eventually being bowled out for 271 in the 45th over.
Abbas played a blistering cameo, finishing with 52 runs off just 24 balls at a staggering strike rate of 200, peppering the boundary with three fours and three sixes.
Following his knock, Abbas described the moment as “special” and credited Chapman for setting the tone.
“This is special. Can’t describe the feeling right now. It means a lot to contribute, and Chappy was unbelievable. To get in there and show what I can do is special for me and my family,” Abbas said.
His fifty broke the previous record set by India’s Krunal Pandya, who reached the milestone in 26 balls against England in 2021. Others on the list include West Indies’ Alick Athanaze (26 balls vs UAE in 2023), India’s Ishan Kishan (33 balls vs Sri Lanka in 2021), and England’s John Morris (35 balls vs New Zealand in 1991).
Cricket in his blood
Abbas’ journey began when his family moved to Auckland, where his passion for cricket blossomed at a young age. His father, Azhar, a former medium-pacer, recalled his son’s early enthusiasm for the game.
“Every time we had some space somewhere, I made sure we played some cricket, be it underarm or just throwing the ball to each other,” Azhar told ESPNcricinfo.
Abbas’ recent form in domestic cricket — 104 and 50 in his last two List A innings — earned him a call-up to the Black Caps squad. While his batting prowess took the spotlight, New Zealand coach Gary Stead believes he has the potential to contribute as a bowler too.
“He is a real, real talent, especially in playing spin bowling,” Stead said. “His ability to bowl a little bit of left-arm seam as well is really helpful in terms of us trying to build our depth of all-rounders.”
And the left-arm pacer didn’t disappoint his coach, claiming the wicket of Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan, finishing with one for 43 in his seven overs.
With a record-breaking start to his international career, Abbas has announced himself as a rising star in New Zealand cricket, and the world will be watching as his journey unfolds.