Centurion Mark Chapman ruled out of NZ vs PAK 2nd ODI; replacement announced

New Zealand have been dealt a setback ahead of the second ODI against Pakistan, as Mark Chapman has been ruled out with a right hamstring injury. The in-form batter sustained the injury during the series opener in Napier and will be replaced by Tim Seifert for the upcoming match in Hamilton.

Mark Chapman suffered a right hamstring injury while fielding during the first ODI against Pakistan. An MRI scan later confirmed a grade one tear, which will require a brief rehabilitation period. It is worth mentioning that the left-handed batter scored his career-best 132 runs during the series opener.

Obviously Disappointing News for Mark Chapman - Gary Stead

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said that Mark Chapman’s injury is an unfortunate setback for both the player and the team. Stead hoped that Chapman could recover in time for the final match of the series at Mount Maunganui.

“It’s obviously disappointing news for Mark, after a really special innings in the opening ODI in Napier,” said Stead.

“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," he added.

The third and final ODI match of the ongoing series will take place at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturday, April 5.

Tim Seifert Is In Good Form After A Great T20 Series - Gary Stead

Gary Stead stated that Tim Seifert will replace Mark Chapman in the squad for the second ODI. Stead said that Seifert’s recent form had earned him a spot.

“With several new faces in this squad, it’s great to be able to call on a player of Tim’s experience,” Stead said.

“He’s in good form after a great T20 series, and he provides another strong top-order batting option heading into an important match tomorrow.”

Mark Chapman Set to Return to Auckland to Begin Short Rehabilitation Process

Mark Chapman will head back to Auckland to begin a brief rehabilitation program, to recover in time to participate in the remaining matches of the ODI series, including the third ODI at Bay Oval on Saturday.

Chapman’s absence will be a setback for New Zealand. The left-handed batter has an excellent record against Pakistan across all formats, with five of his six highest T20I scores and his best ODI score coming against them.

Tim Seifert joins the squad following his impressive performances in the T20I series against Pakistan, where he led the run-scoring with 249 runs at an average of 62. New Zealand currently leads the three-match ODI series 1-0, after winning the T20 series 4-1.

New Zealand squad for second ODI against Pakistan: Tom Latham (c), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Michael Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young

Also read: Hardik Pandya becomes the 1st player to be punished by BCCI in IPL 2025 after Sai Kishore episode