Mark Chapman ruled out of Pakistan ODI series; replacement fixed

New Zealand batter Mark Chapman, who was ruled out of the second ODI against Pakistan due to a hamstring injury, will also miss the final match. Tim Seifert, who was picked as Mark Chapman's replacement, will remain with the squad for the final game, set to be played at Bay Oval on Saturday.

Mark Chapman injured his hamstring while fielding after scoring a century in the series opener in Napier. The left-handed batter was ruled out of the second ODI in Hamilton, where New Zealand secured an unassailable 2-0 lead over Pakistan. New Zealand will be hoping to end the series with a victory.

Mark Chapman Ruled Out of Third ODI Against Pakistan

Mark Chapman was expected to return for the final ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan in Mount Maunganui on April 5. However, he failed a fitness test on Friday and will not be risked. The 30-year-old has not recovered enough for the series finale, which also marks the end of New Zealand’s home summer.

Before his injury, Chapman played a crucial role in New Zealand’s 73-run victory in the first ODI, scoring a career-best 132. With his absence, Tim Seifert will stay with the squad for the next match. Seifert could be considered for selection if the team decides to make changes to the XI that won in Hamilton.

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Tim Seifert Hasn't Played an ODI Match in Over Five Years

Tim Seifert was the best performer for New Zealand in the recent five-match T20I series against Pakistan. The right-handed batter finished as the leading run-scorer with 249 runs at an explosive strike rate of 207.50. Seifert won the Player of the Series award for his consistent performances with the bat.

It is worth mentioning that Seifert has not featured in an ODI for over five years. The 30-year-old last played the 50-over format in 2019 against Sri Lanka in Nelson. He has played only three ODIs for the Black Caps. Seifert has scored 33 runs in two innings at an average of 16.5, with a best score of 22.

Mitchell Hay Instrumental in New Zealand's Emphatic Victory in Second ODI

New Zealand sealed the ODI series against Pakistan with a commanding 84-run win at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Mitchell Hay rescued the hosts from early trouble at 132-5 with his unbeaten 99 off 78 balls, including seven fours and as many sixes. New Zealand posted a competitive total of 292-8 in 50 overs.

Will O’Rourke removed Abdullah Shafique in the third over, while Jacob Duffy dismissed Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq in quick succession. Faheem Ashraf and Tayyab Tahir attempted to stabilize with a 33-run stand, but the damage was done.

Naseem Shah and Ashraf smashed their maiden ODI fifties, but it wasn’t enough. New Zealand outplayed Pakistan with bat and ball to seal a comprehensive victory.

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