Meet Muhammad Abbas: Lahore-Born New Zealander Who Hit Record ODI Fifty on Debut
The Lahore-born cricketer smashed a blistering 52 off just 26 balls breaking the record for the fastest half-century on ODI debut
Meet Muhammad Abbas: Lahore-Born New Zealander Who Hit Record ODI Fifty on Debut
Posted - 2025-03-29T14:57:14+06:00
Updated - 2025-03-29T14:57:14+06:00
On March 29, Muhammad Abbas made history with his explosive batting debut for New Zealand National Cricket Team against Pakistan National Cricket Team at McLean Park, Napier.
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The Lahore-born cricketer smashed a blistering 52 off just 26 balls breaking the record for the fastest half-century on ODI debut reaching the milestone in just 24 balls. This remarkable feat etched his name in the history books surpassing the previous record held by India National Cricket Team Krunal Pandya who hit a 26-ball fifty on his debut against England in 2021.
Batting in the slog overs Abbas took the Pakistan bowlers to task smashing three boundaries and three towering sixes. His fearless approach helped New Zealand post a competitive total and his debut will be remembered for setting the fastest fifty record in ODI history.
Who Is Muhammad Abbas?
Born in Lahore Pakistan, Muhammad Abbas hails from a cricketing family. His father Azhar Abbas was a first-class cricketer for Pakistan playing 45 matches before moving to New Zealand. Following in his father’s footsteps Muhammad Abbas has made waves in New Zealand’s domestic cricket scene.
After relocating to Wellington in 2022 Abbas joined his father’s former club, Karori and soon earned a spot in the Wellington Firebirds. His standout performances in the Ford Trophy caught the national selectors’ eye, and in August 2023 he represented New Zealand A in a series against Australia A. His all-round abilities shone through and it was only a matter of time before he earned a call-up to the senior New Zealand side.
Azhar Abbas Muhammad’s father enjoyed a successful first-class career in Pakistan taking 154 wickets in 45 matches.
Fastest Fifties on ODI Debut (All-Time List)
- Muhammad 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
