New Zealand’s middle-order batter Mark Chapman has been ruled out of the second ODI against Pakistan due to a hamstring injury, dealing a blow to the hosts ahead of the second ODI against Pakistan at Seddon Park on Wednesday.
In-form Chapman, who played a match-winning innings in the series opener with a brisk century, sustained the injury while fielding during the second innings.
Subsequent medical scans revealed a grade-one tear, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed.
As a result, the left-handed batter will return to Auckland for rehabilitation, with hopes of recovering in time for the third and final ODI scheduled for Saturday.
Despite his absence in the upcoming fixture, team management remains optimistic about his availability for the series decider.
New Zealand has named top-order batter Tim Seifert as Chapman’s replacement for the second ODI.
Seifert’s inclusion comes on the back of his stellar performances in the recent five-match T20I series against Pakistan, where he amassed 249 runs at an impressive average of 62.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Chapman’s injury but was relieved that the setback was minor.
“It’s obviously disappointing news for Mark, after a really special innings in the opening ODI in Napier,” Stead stated.
“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.”
New Zealand squad for 2nd ODI against Pakistan
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.
New Zealand currently leads the three-match series 1-0, with Pakistan aiming to bounce back in the second ODI to keep the series alive.