New Zealand's Mark Chapman ruled out of 2nd ODI against Pakistan

An undated image shows New Zealand's star batsman Mark Chapman in action during a match. — AFP/File

New Zealand's star batsman Mark Chapman has been ruled out for the second one-day international (ODI) against Pakistan, which is set to take place on Wednesday.

The major blow to the Kiwis came as a result of a hamstring injury that Chapman sustained while fielding during the first ODI of the series, according to New Zealand Cricket.

The New Zealand cricket regulatory body confirmed the news after subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed a grade one tear, necessitating a short period of rehabilitation.

The loss of Chapman is a considerable blow to the Black Caps, particularly after his brilliant innings of 132 runs in the first ODI and was named the player of the match.

Chapman’s 111-ball innings featured 13 fours and four sixes, lifting New Zealand out of early trouble after they were asked to bat and stuttered to 50-3 in the first ODI.

The left-handed batter will now head to Auckland for rehabilitation to recover in time for the third ODI, scheduled to be played on Saturday.

While Chapman remains in the hunt to feature in the third ODI, he has been replaced by Tim Seifert for the preceding fixture.

The top-order batter earned the selection on the back of his remarkable performances in the recent five-match T20I series against Pakistan, during which he mustered 249 runs at an average of 62.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Mark Chapman’s injury but was relieved that its extent was minor.

"It's obviously disappointing news for Mark, after a really special innings in the opening ODI in Napier," said Stead.

"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."

The second ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan is set to be held tomorrow in Hamilton.

New Zealand squad for second 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.

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