New Zealand’s preparations for the second One-Day International (ODI) against Pakistan in Hamilton took a hit as middle-order batter Mark Chapman was ruled out due to a right hamstring injury. Chapman, who played a crucial role in the first ODI with a career-best 132, sustained the injury while fielding, and subsequent scans revealed a grade one tear requiring a short rehabilitation period.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed his disappointment but remained hopeful about Chapman’s return for the final ODI.
It’s obviously disappointing news for Mark, after a really special innings in the opening ODI in Napier. We’re thankful that the hamstring injury is only minor, so we’re hopeful that Mark will be able to complete his rehabilitation and be available for the final match of the summer in the Mount.
Stead said
Seifert Joins Squad as Replacement
To cover for Chapman, top-order batter Tim Seifert has been called up. Seifert comes into the squad following an impressive KFC T20I series against Pakistan, where he topped the run-scoring charts with 249 runs at an average of 62.
New Zealand will be looking to build on their dominant 73-run victory in the first ODI, where they posted 344/9, thanks to Chapman’s century, Daryl Mitchell’s 76, and a quickfire 52 from Mohammad Abbas. With the ball, Nathan Smith (4-60) and Jacob Duffy (2-57) led the charge as Pakistan were bowled out for 271 in 44.1 overs.
Despite the comfortable win, Stead pointed out areas for improvement ahead of the second match.
"Look, I mean, we played some really good cricket. We were obviously under pressure at different times in the game, both with the bat and the ball. So we've talked about areas that we feel like we can improve in, and that will be our goal every time we go out—to try and make small gains. It’s still a reasonably young and inexperienced side, so any match time they get here will be fantastic for them," said Stead.
Pitch and Conditions for the Second ODI
Stead expects a traditional Seddon Park wicket, which should offer a good batting surface.
“Yeah, I think it'll be a reasonably traditional Seddon Park wicket. It looks reasonably well-grassed. There's usually reasonable pace in the white-ball wickets here as well, so it could be a high-scoring affair. Hopefully, this weather holds good and we'll be out there for a full match,” he said.
New Zealand will be aiming to seal the series with a victory, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest.
Pakistan Seek Redemption to Keep Series Alive
For Pakistan, the match in Hamilton presents an opportunity to stay in the series after losing the first ODI and the preceding T20I series 4-1. Captain Mohammad Rizwan will be expecting an improved performance, especially from his bowlers, who struggled to contain New Zealand’s batters in Napier.
Batting-wise, former captain Babar Azam and Salman Agha were the standout performers in the first ODI, with Babar scoring a fighting 78 and Agha contributing a 48-ball 58. Rizwan himself managed only 39 before falling to Mohammad Abbas, and he will be eager to make a stronger impact in the second match.
The series finale will be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on April 5.
Probable XIs:
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears.
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali.