Mark Chapman’s Heroic Performance
Mark Chapman leads the way for New Zealand as they defeat Pakistan with 10 balls to spare. This is a New Zealand team with fresh faces as most of the first team players are playing the Indian Premier League.
After Shaheen’s short reign, Babar Azam, back as captain, anticipated his men would dominate in Rawalpindi, aiming for a 2-0 lead in the 5-match series. With the first game washed out and the second favoring Pakistan, New Zealand needed a comeback, which Mark Chapman successfully provided.
Pakistan’s Batting
People always expect the Rawalpindi pitch to favor batsmen.
. However, the previous game gave a glimpse of it being on the slow side helping the spinners. Following the recent trend of Pakistan Super League, New Zealand gave Pakistan the invitation to put runs on the board.
Kiwi bowlers made a solid comeback after the departure of Saim Ayub giving Pakistani batters a tough time. The famous duo of Babar-Rizwan was not allowed to play their shots freely with the later only striking just above a hundred.
When it was time to flourish, Babar lost his wicket and Rizwan couldn’t continue following discomfort in his hamstring. The debutants: Irfan and Usman had the responsibility to take the innings forward where the later failed to impress in his second successive outing in national colours. Shadab Khan was Pakistan’s MVP scoring 41 off just 20 balls.
Ish Sodhi was pick of the ballers for the kiwis giving away just 25 runs in his quota of 4. His two timely wickets dented Pakistan’s progress when the looked to cut-loose. Sodhi’s spell was clear indication that there is life in this wicket for spinners.
The Kiwi Chase
Both Kiwi openers were off to a decent start giving foundation to this 179 run chase. Pakistani bowlers had no answer to the Kiwi charge once Mark Chapman arrived at the crease. He not only smashed 87 runs off just 42 balls, but also ensured that he takes burden off his batting partner.
It was a one-man show in the end where he took out ace Pakistani bowlers with ease. Neither Naseem Shah nor Shaheen Afridi was able to limit the onslaught from Chapman, who managed to score a total of thirteen boundaries.
Not limited to pacers, Mark Chapman was able to tackle spin wizards of Pakistan in a controlled manner. Abrar’s mystery neither Shadab’s googly was able to get the better of the left-handed batter. Babar even tried to give Iftikhar a go who was also professionally managed.
Overall, a strong Kiwi comeback has put the series in balance. The young Kiwi squad has given this experienced Pakistan team a run for their money. With two more games to go, the series moves to Lahore. While Babar Azam‘s men aim for a comeback, the Kiwi boys will look to continue their excellent work and carry the momentum.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
