Mark Chapman, born on 27 June 1994, is a cricketer whose unique journey has taken him from Hong Kong to New Zealand. A left-handed batter who occasionally bowls slow left-arm orthodox, Chapman has left an indelible mark on international cricket. His dual international career, representing both Hong Kong and New Zealand, is a testament to his versatility and talent. Born in Hong Kong to a Chinese mother and a New Zealander father, Chapman's upbringing was a fusion of cultures.
Chapman's early education took place at Island School in Hong Kong. In 2010, he represented Hong Kong at the Under-19 World Cup, and soon came his introduction to senior cricket as he represented his country of birth in the ODI and T20I formats. It was in the Plunket Shield that Chapman made his first-class debut on 17 December 2015. His ability to adapt to different formats and excel in them set him apart as a cricketer capable of contributing in various situations. In the 2017–18 Ford Trophy, Chapman emerged as the leading run-scorer with 480 runs in eight matches for Auckland. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure earned him accolades within the New Zealand cricketing community.
In June 2018, he was awarded a contract with Auckland for the 2018–19 season, a testament to his growing stature within New Zealand domestic cricket. His performances were not limited to white-ball cricket, as he displayed his mettle in the longest format of the game as well. Chapman's international journey is equally intriguing. He was named in Hong Kong's squad for the 2014 ICC World T20, which marked Hong Kong's first appearance in a major ICC tournament. This was a significant milestone for Hong Kong cricket, and Chapman was a pivotal part of that journey.
Chapman made his T20I debut for Hong Kong in March 2014 during the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup against Nepal. Chapman's promising career in the associate nation took a notable turn when he was selected as vice-captain for Hong Kong in November 2015. This selection coincided with Hong Kong's two World Cricket League fixtures against the United Arab Emirates, both of which held ODI status. On his ODI debut, Chapman made history by scoring 124 not out from 116 balls. In February 2018, Chapman's remarkable cricketing journey took an unexpected turn when he was added to New Zealand's T20I squad for the tri-series against Australia and England.
This opportunity allowed him to make his T20I debut for New Zealand against England. Further underscoring his versatility, Chapman was named to New Zealand's ODI squad as a cover for the injured Kane Williamson. On 28 February 2018, he made his ODI debut for New Zealand. One of the most memorable moments in Chapman's career came during New Zealand's tour of Pakistan in 2023. In the 5th T20I, Chapman played a sensational unbeaten innings, scoring 104. This century not only helped New Zealand level the series 2-2 but also helped him bag the Player of the Series award.Â
Part of New Zealand’s 2023 ODI World Cup squad, Chapman had a quiet tournament as the Kiwis bowed out in the semifinal. His lean run extended into 2024, but a sensational 276-run knock in a Plunket Shield game for Auckland towards the back end of the year provided the spark he was searching for. That resurgence carried into the international arena when Sri Lanka toured New Zealand for an ODI and T20I series. Chapman delivered a couple of impactful knocks, finishing as the highest run-scorer in the ODI series. Any doubts about his place in New Zealand’s ODI setup were put to rest, earning him a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy squad.
