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The second T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan at the University Oval, Dunedin, was full of edge-of-the-seat moments, but one play that stood out and took the centre stage was the jaw-dropping catch by Mark Chapman to send back Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. The brilliant piece of work in the deep changed the game in the favour of the Black Caps and made New Zealand’s dominance in the five-match series even more clear.
Mark Chapman pulls off a stunner to see-off Salman Agha
The incident took place in the 9th over when Pakistan were struggling to recover from a shaky start. Fast bowler Ben Sears delivered a well-aimed short ball at Salman A꧅gha, who had been spearheading the fightback with a spirited knock. Having already sent a similar ball over the mid-wicket fence for six earlier in the innings, Salman tried another pull shot. This time, ♑though, the ball got wedged a bit into the pitch, and he mistimed it, producing a top edge.
Placed at deep square leg, Chapman displayed exemplary presence and athleticism as he charged to his left, kept watching the spinning ball, and took a clean catch with a mild fall. Salman’s dismissal, who was playing in great touch with 46 off 28 balls (with 4 fours and three sixes), proved to be pivotal for New Zealand.
Here’s the video:
Captain agha gone 😞
— M Saqlain M (@saqiiiii55555)
Also READ: Top 5 lowest totals for Pakistan in T20Is
A turning moment in Pakistan’s innings
When Salman was sent packing, Pakistan were in the process of recovering from an early collapse at 52/4. His bold batting had given a much-needed impetus to the struggling team, and a more extended stay at the crease could have made a serious threat to the Black Caps. Chapman’s catch not only returned the Pakistani captain to the pavilion but also broke the momentum Pakistan were beginning to gain.
New Zealand bowlers then made the most of the breakthrough. The visitors struggled to put up a fighting total, scoring 135/9 in the rain-curtailed 15-over match. Shadab Khan (26 off 14) and Shaheen Afridi (22 off 14) played cameos, b🔯ut Pakistan never really recovered from the loss of Salman.
New Zealand’s bowling prowess
New Zealand’s bowling attack provided a clinical show, with four bowlers – Ben Sears and Jimmy Neesham among them – claiming two wickets apiece. Sears, in special, stood out with his variations and control, while Neesham’s all-round effort with the bat and ball justified his recall to the team.
The effect of fielding in T20 cricket
Chapman’s incredible catch was a reflection of the growing significance of fielding in contemporary T20 cricket. With the game heavily weighted in favour of batters, intelligent fielding and athletic catches tend to be match-winning moments. Chapman’s attempt not only reflected his ability but also highlighted New Zealand’s focus on high-intensity cricket.
