New Zealand’s depleted side drew 2-2 after a commanding 6-wicket win in the fifth and final T20I match played at Rawalpindi Cricket Ground, Rawalpindi on 24 April 2023.
Chasing down 194 runs to win, it was not an ideal start for the visitors as they lost wickets in the first over as Tom Latham and Will Young by Shaheen Shah Afridi. Chad Bowes looked positive with his intent to keep pressure on Pakistan bowlers. Imad Wasim struck getting rid of Bowes to leave New Zealand in trouble.
Mark Champan struggled against Ihsanullah in his first over. He then took the attack to Shahbad Khan in his first over putting him under pressure. Daryl Mitchell gave good support taking singles and hitting occasional boundaries.
Imad Wasim struck getting rid of Mitchell caught by Rauf at long-on. Champan and Mitchell added 47 runs for the 4th wicket. Chapman then took the attack to the top-quality Pakistani bowling attack reaching his fifty off 30 deliveries. It was a brilliant batting display by Champan and Jimmy Neesham putting enough pressure to keep the scoreboard ticking at a quick pace.
Shahabad Khan dropped a simple chance to get rid of Chapman. Chapman took the advantage smashing Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and other Pakistan bowlers with ease to complete his maiden T20I century off 54 balls. He completed the job with a double helping New Zealand chase down the target easily with 4 deliveries to spare. Champan and Neesham added unbeaten 121 runs for the 5th wicket. New Zealand won the match by six wickets to level the series at 2-2.
Mohammad Rizwan looked in great touch putting pressure on the Kiwi bowling lineup. Babar Azam scored 19 off 18 deliveries while Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub could not open their account.
Thanks to Iftikhar Ahmed 36 off 22 deliveries and Imad Wasim 31 off 14, Pakistan posted 193 for 5. Rizwan slowed down in the last 2 overs scoring just 14 runs from 11 balls.
Mark Chapman delivered the goods for New Zealand
Mark Chapman was at his best during the 5-match T20I series against Pakistan. He began the series with quickfire 34 off 27 deliveries, but New Zealand lost the match badly. His performance continued as he made an unbeaten 65 from 40 balls as Kiwis could not register a win.
He contributed quickfire 16 off 9 deliveries without being dismissed. His performance in the fourth T20I at Rawalpindi was brilliant with an unbeaten 71 off 45 balls but rained spoil play.
Chapman scored match-winning century and helped New Zealand draw 2-2 series without their key players including Williamson, Southee, Boult, and other stars. Champan was named the player of the match for his unbeaten 104 and also the player of the series award for his 290 runs in 5 matches.
He made his T20I debut for Hong Kong on 16 March 2014 against Nepal. Played cricket for Hong Kong, Mark Chapman holds now New Zealand passport and making great strides to do well for his second country.
