Mark Chapman’s stunning ton on Sunday prevented a major shock and helped the men in black win the lone ODI against Scotland at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh, allowing New Zealand to wrap off their tour of Scotland on a high note.
Chapman knock came at a time when New Zealand lost their three main batters at 132 while chasing a 300-plus runs target.
The 28-year-old Chapman along with Daryll Mitchell did a 175-run partnership for the fourth wicket to guide the visitors win the game by 7 wickets with 25 balls to spare.
New Zealand Vs Scotland 1st ODI Highlights
After opting to bat first, the hosts put up a good show by scoring runs at a good pace against World No.1 New Zealand. But, suddenly they lost their momentum and wickets started to fall down, in that period they lost half of their side for just 197 runs.
To reach even 200 mark looking difficult for Scotland, but then came Matthew Cross and Michael Leask to the rescue. They added 92 runs for the sixth wicket before Cross walked back to the pavilion after playing a crucial half-century knock.
Leask, on the other hand, remained tall and played a knock of 85 off just 55 to not just help Scotland from collapse but also put them in a good position, as a result of his efforts the hosts at last were able to post 306 on board in 50 overs.
In reply, the visitors made a solid start with both Martin Guptill and Finn Allen were looking in a form that they both will finish the game on their own. However, Allen got out after scoring 50, while Guptill fell 2 runs short of his fifty.
New Zealand were 132 in 23.5 overs when they lost the wicketkeeper batter Dane Cleaver. After losing 3 wickets even before half way mark in a 300-run chase put a tension oh heads of Kiwi players.
But, Mark Chapman and Daryll Mitchell (74* off 62) soaked all the pressure and added 175 runs for the fourth wicket in 131 balls to help New Zealand win the one-off ODI.
Chapman, who scored a century (102) in just 75 balls, later won the player of the match for his valuable knock.
