Mark Chapman’s blistering maiden Twenty20 century has powered an inexperienced New Zealand to a series-levelling victory towards Pakistan.
New Zealand appeared out of it at 4-73 within the tenth over, chasing 194. Then Chapman and Jimmy Neesham mixed for an unbeaten 121 runs in 9.3 overs to win the fifth and ultimate T20 by six wickets.
The Black Caps pulled off the second highest chase towards Pakistan with Chapman smashing a career-best 104 not out off 57 balls. Neesham hit 45 not out off 25.
Pakistan had made 5-193 anchored by opener Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 98 off 62 balls.
Monday’s win meant New Zealand got here again from dropping the primary two matches in Lahore to sq. the collection 2-2 (Friday’s match was washed out).
Chapman was the collection star scoring 290 runs for as soon as out in 5 video games towards a full-strength Pakistan bowling assault. It was a shocking present by a New Zealand squad depleted of eight frontline gamers who’re on the Indian Premier League (which Pakistani gamers usually are not allowed to compete in)
“One of the best innings a lot of us have ever seen,” New Zealand captain Tom Latham mentioned.
“They (Neesham and Chapman) just worked out their partnership really well and kept piling the pressure back on the opponents. It’s mightily satisfying that we ended with a series draw.”
Latham had been dismissed off the primary ball by Shaheen Shah Afridi who discovered the sting of Will Young’s bat in the identical over. Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim additionally acquired two wickets and tied down the New Zealanders.
But Chapman, who smashed 11 boundaries and 4 sixes, and Neesham lower unfastened in a chase paced to perfection.
Shadab Khan had a forgetful night time in his hometown, taken out of the assault after bowling two overs for 29 runs he dropped Chapman on 67.
“Special knock this from Chapman, congratulations to him,” Pakistan captain Babar Azam mentioned. “We were 10-15 runs short.”
Rizwan gave Pakistan momentum after quick bowler Blair Tickner, taking part in his first recreation of the collection instead of an injured Matt Henry, took two fast wickets and ended up with 3-33.
Rizwan, who added 71 runs with Iftikhar Ahmed (36) and a speedy 68 with Imad Wasim (31), hit seven fours and 4 sixes.
He wanted three runs off the ultimate over for his second T20 hundred. But he might make solely a single off the primary ball. Facing the final supply by Neesham, Rizwan missed.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
