The second T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan on the College Oval, Dunedin, was filled with edge-of-the-seat moments, however one play that stood out and took the centre stage was the jaw-dropping catch by Mark Chapman to ship again Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. The good piece of labor within the deep modified the sport within the favour of the Black Caps and made New Zealand’s dominance within the five-match collection much more clear.
Mark Chapman pulls off a stunner to see-off Salman Agha
The incident happened within the ninth over when Pakistan have been struggling to get well from a shaky begin. Quick bowler Ben Sears delivered a well-aimed brief ball at Salman Agha, who had been spearheading the fightback with a spirited knock. Having already despatched an analogous ball over the mid-wicket fence for six earlier within the innings, Salman tried one other pull shot. This time, although, the ball acquired wedged a bit into the pitch, and he mistimed it, producing a high edge.
Positioned at deep sq. leg, Chapman displayed exemplary presence and athleticism as he charged to his left, stored watching the spinning ball, and took a clear catch with a gentle fall. Salman’s dismissal, who was enjoying in nice contact with 46 off 28 balls (with 4 fours and three sixes), proved to be pivotal for New Zealand.
Right here’s the video:
Captain agha gone 😞 #NZvPAK #Cricket pic.twitter.com/NpsCfMYyXi
— M Saqlain M (@saqiiiii55555) March 18, 2025
Additionally READ: Prime 5 lowest totals for Pakistan in T20Is
A turning second in Pakistan’s innings
When Salman was despatched packing, Pakistan have been within the technique of recovering from an early collapse at 52/4. His daring batting had given a much-needed impetus to the struggling staff, and a extra prolonged keep on the crease may have made a critical risk to the Black Caps. Chapman’s catch not solely returned the Pakistani captain to the pavilion but additionally broke the momentum Pakistan have been starting to achieve.
New Zealand bowlers then made the many of the breakthrough. The guests struggled to place up a preventing whole, scoring 135/9 within the rain-curtailed 15-over match. Shadab Khan (26 off 14) and Shaheen Afridi (22 off 14) performed cameos, however Pakistan by no means actually recovered from the lack of Salman.
New Zealand’s bowling prowess
New Zealand’s bowling assault supplied a scientific present, with 4 bowlers – Ben Sears and Jimmy Neesham amongst them – claiming two wickets apiece. Sears, in particular, stood out together with his variations and management, whereas Neesham’s all-round effort with the bat and ball justified his recall to the staff.
The impact of fielding in T20 cricket
Chapman’s unbelievable catch was a mirrored image of the rising significance of fielding in modern T20 cricket. With the sport closely weighted in favour of batters, clever fielding and athletic catches are usually match-winning moments. Chapman’s try not solely mirrored his capability but additionally highlighted New Zealand’s concentrate on high-intensity cricket.