Mark Chapman’s powerful half-century propelled an under-strength New Zealand to a surprising seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the third Twenty20 international in Rawalpindi on Sunday.
The 29-year-old southpaw’s blistering 87 off 42 balls led New Zealand’s chase of the 179-run target in just 18.2 overs, stunning the formidable Pakistan bowling attack and quieting the packed 16,000-strong holiday crowd.
Shadab Khan (41) and Babar Azam (37) were the primary contributors to Pakistan’s total of 178-4 after being put into bat by New Zealand.
Tim Robinson’s 28 off 19 balls and Tim Seifert’s 21 off 16 provided the initial momentum for New Zealand’s chase.
New Zealand were in a solid position at 53-2 in the sixth over before Chapman and Dean Foxcroft (31) took charge, forging a formidable 117-run partnership for the third wicket to level the five-match series at 1-1.
Chapman, who previously hit a T20I hundred at the same venue last year, smashed four sixes and nine fours en route to his eighth half-century in the format, well-supported by Foxcroft.
Despite the introduction of spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 15th over with 61 runs to defend, Chapman continued his onslaught with two fours. He then unleashed two sixes and two more fours off Naseem Shah’s next over, reducing the target to just 21 runs off 24 balls.
Although fast bowler Abbas Afridi (2-27) dismissed Foxcroft, New Zealand were within touching distance of victory. Chapman and Jimmy Neesham (six not out) sealed the win with ten balls to spare.
In Pakistan’s innings, Shadab’s aggressive 41 included two sixes and four fours, while Azam struck four fours and a six. Openers Saim Ayub (32 off 22 balls) and Muhammad Irfan Khan (30 not out off 20 balls) provided a solid start, adding 55 runs.
Shadab and Irfan’s brisk 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket further boosted Pakistan’s innings. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi emerged as the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with figures of 2-25.
The final two matches of the series will take place in Lahore on April 25 and 27, with both teams gearing up for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.
