Mark Chapman’s Blazing 94 Guides New Zealand to 204 in Third T20I Against Pakistan

New Zealand Posts Competitive 204 Despite Early Setbacks

AUCKLAND: Mark Chapman’s explosive 94-run knock powered New Zealand to a total of 204 all out against Pakistan in the third T20I of the five-match series at Eden Park on Friday.

Shaheen Afridi Strikes Early for Pakistan

Pakistan, after winning the toss and opting to field first, made an immediate impact. Star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Finn Allen in the very first over, thanks to a stunning one-handed catch by Haris Rauf.

Tim Seifert and Chapman attempted to rebuild the innings, adding 40 runs for the second wicket. However, Rauf struck back, removing Seifert for 19 off nine balls, further denting New Zealand’s progress.

Chapman’s Counterattack Rescues New Zealand

Following Seifert’s dismissal, Chapman unleashed an attacking display against the Pakistani bowlers. His breathtaking 94-run innings came off just 44 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and four towering sixes.

The left-handed batter formed crucial partnerships with Daryl Mitchell (17) and James Neesham (3), keeping the momentum in New Zealand’s favor. However, his dismissal in the 13th over, off Shaheen Afridi’s bowling, shifted the game back towards Pakistan.

Pakistan Strikes Back with Quick Wickets

New Zealand lost wickets in clusters after Chapman’s departure. Abrar Ahmed removed both wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay (9) and Kyle Jamieson (0) on successive deliveries, reducing the Black Caps to 164/7 in 15 overs.

Despite the collapse, skipper Michael Bracewell’s late counterattack helped push the total past the 200-run mark. His 31-run knock off 18 balls, including three fours and two sixes, gave New Zealand a solid finish before he was dismissed by Haris Rauf in the penultimate over.

Pakistan’s Bowling Performance

Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, delivering an impressive spell of 3/29 in his four overs. Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Abbas Afridi picked up two wickets each, while Shadab Khan contributed with one scalp.

Playing XIs

Pakistan:

• Mohammad Haris (WK)
• Hasan Nawaz
• Salman Agha (C)
• Irfan Khan
• Shadab Khan
• Abdul Samad
• Khushdil Shah
• Mohammad Abbas Afridi
• Shaheen Afridi
• Haris Rauf
• Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand:

• Tim Seifert
• Finn Allen
• Mark Chapman
• Daryl Mitchell
• Jimmy Neesham
• Mitchell Hay (WK)
• Michael Bracewell (C)
• Ish Sodhi
• Kyle Jamieson
• Jacob Duffy
• Ben Sears

New Zealand’s total of 204 has set up an exciting chase for Pakistan. Can the visitors pull off a successful pursuit, or will New Zealand’s bowlers defend the target? Stay tuned for the second innings action!