Huge blow to New Zealand as star in-form player ruled out of 2nd ODI against Pakistan, batter who scored 38-ball 97 recalled after 6 years

New Zealand have suffered a major blow after star in-form batter Mark Chapman has been ruled out of the second ODI due to a hamstring injury sustained during record-breaking 132-run knock in the series opener.

Chapman who has been tremendous form against Pakistan underwent MRI scans. He suffered a grade one tear and will undergo a short period of rehabilitation before getting back to international cricket.

Chapman's replacement

Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert has been announced as Chapman's replacement for the second ODI. Seifert was top run-scorer of the five-T20I series. He scored 249 runs from five innings at an average of 62.25 and strike rate of 207.50. He remained unbeaten for a 38-ball 97 featuring 10 sixes in the fifth and final T20I as the hosts won the T20I series 4-1.

The last time Seifert played an ODI was in 2019. He has played just three ODIs against Sri Lanka and scored 22 runs.

Head coach on Chapman's injury and his replacement

The Kiwi head coach Gary Stead is gutted after Chapman's injury.

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

“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."

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However, he is banking on Seifert's experience for the second ODI.

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

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New Zealand's squad for second ODI -

Will Young, Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tim Seifert, Muhammad Abbas, Michael Bracewell(c), Mitchell Hay(w), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, William ORourke, Ben Sears, Adithya Ashok

Injury blow to Pakistan too

Meanwhile, Pakistan opener Usman Khan has been ruled out of the second ODI due to a low-grade tear in hamstring. He sustained the injury while fielding in the series opener. Despite the injury, he scored 39 runs from 33 balls to get Pakistan off to a flying start in the run chase. However, Pakistan lost the match by 73 runs as they suffered a batting collapse.

In the second ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on April 2, Imam-ul-Haq is likely to open with Abdullah Shafique.

Pakistan's squad for second ODI -

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sufiyan Muqeem