PAK vs NZ: Mark Chapman’s 104 helps New Zealand clinch thrilling win in 5th T20I and level series
Mark Chapman’s incredible knock of 104 not out helped New Zealand secure a thrilling six-wicket in the 5th T20I against Pakistan and level the series 2-2.
The visitors were looking to avoid defeat in Rawalpindi on Monday as they wanted to level the series after the fourth T20I at the same venue had to be stopped due to a hailstorm.
On Monday, New Zealand had won the toss and opted to bowl first. Mohammad Rizwan got the hosts off to a good start as Babar Azam played an anchor role for Pakistan. By 5.4 overs, the hosts had put on 51 on the scoreboard before Blair Tickener sent Babar back to the pavilion.
Tickner would then strike in the very next ball to dismiss Mohammad Haris to dent the momentum of the Pakistan innings. Ish Sodhi removed Saim Ayub also for a duck as the hosts quickly found themselves in a spot of bother.
Cameos from Ifthikar Ahmed (36 off 22 ball) and Imad Wasim (31 off 14) steadied the ship for Pakistan and both men provided ample support for Rizwan, who went on to remain unbeaten on 98 as Pakistan scored 193 in their allotted 20 overs.
Chasing 194 for the win, the Kiwis lost their skipper Tom Latham off the very first delivery and Will Young in the same over as Shaheen Shah Afridi made early breakthroughs to swing the momentum in the favour of the hosts.
When Chad Bowes was cleaned up by Imad, it looked like the Kiwis were staring down the barrel with just 26 on the board for the loss of three wickets in 3.5 overs.
Daryl Mitchell and Chapman steadied the ship for New Zealand before Mitchell also departed with the score at 73 for four in 9.5 overs. Jimmy Neesham and Chapman would then kick into overdrive as both men found good rhythm in the middle.
Chapman, who had played a good knock in the abandoned 4th T20I, continued his aggressive approach and took on the Pakistan bowlers. Neesham also decided to play an aggressive knock as both men put on a 121-run unbeaten partnership to guide the Kiwis over the line with four balls and six wickets to spare.
Chapman’s knock consisted of 11 boundaries and four sixes as he scored 104 runs in just 57 deliveries.
The action between both sides will now switch into ODIs, which will begin on 27th April, Thursday.