New Zealand suffered a major blow ahead of the second ODI against Pakistan as in-form middle-order batter Mark Chapman was ruled out of the upcoming match after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Chapman, who played a match-winning knock in the first ODI, suffered the injury while fielding in the second innings. Subsequent scans revealed a grade-one tear, forcing him to return to Auckland for rehabilitation.
However, the left-hander remains in contention for the third and final ODI scheduled to be played at Mount Maunganui on April 5.
In his absence, New Zealand have called up wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert, who was in sublime form during the recently concluded five-match T20I series against Pakistan, amassing 249 runs at an impressive average of 62.
Head coach Gary Stead acknowledged the setback but was relieved that the injury wasn’t severe.
“It’s obviously disappointing news for Mark [Chapman] after a really special innings in the opening ODI in Napier,” Stead said.
“We’re thankful that the hamstring injury is only minor, so we’re hopeful that he will complete his rehabilitation in time for the final match of the summer in the Mount.”
Henry Nicholls, Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Michael Bracewell (c), Tim Seifert, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young.
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