PALLEKELE, SRI LANKA - In a thrilling encounter yesterday, Pakistan kicked off their Twenty20 World Cup campaign with a win, beating New Zealand by just 13 runs.
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Pakistan openers Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Nazir put on an opening partnership of 47 runs, before Nazir fell victim to Tim Southee, caught and bowled. The highlight of the innings, however, was 22 year old Nasir Jamshed, batting at number three. Jamshed put on a match best of 56, hitting four sixes on the way, to help his side reach their total of 177 for 6.
New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor had the opportunity to give his team a real chance of victory early in the match, when he dropped Pakistan's captain Hafeez for nought in the first over. Hafeez, after being given a reprieve from a routine catch at slip, went on to put on 43 of 38 balls, before he was dismissed by James Franklin.
New Zealand started their innings well, with opening partnership Kane Williamson and Rob Nicol putting on 53 without loss in the first 6.4 overs. Afridi put an end to the partnership, however, surprising Nicol with a quicker delivery to bowl him. Williamson went soon after, run out by Jamshed.
Much was expected of Brendon McCullum after he had dominated the entire Bangladeshi attack with an imperious 123 off just 58 balls a few days earlier, but he was stifled by good bowling from Hafeez which saw him make just 32 off 31 balls, before being bowled by Umar Gul.
A decision to move Daniel Vettori up the order in response to the flurry of wickets backfired, as he could only manage 18 off 16 balls. A good late stand by James Franklin and Ross Taylor provided New Zealand with some hope, with Taylor managing 26 from 11 balls.
New Zealand's captain was then run out by Umar Akmal, leaving 19 needed from the last over. Ajmal, however, dismissed both Nathan McCullum and Tim Southee, to ensure the win for his side.
Despite the loss, New Zealand's place in the Super Eight round is guaranteed, while Pakistan's is not. New Zealand's net run rate, which cannot be equalled by Bangladesh or Pakistan in their last Group D match, has ensured qualification, with a score of +1.150. Pakistan face Bangladesh tomorrow, hoping to progress to be in with a chance of reclaiming the championship they won in 2009.
New Zealand have been drawn into Group E of the Super Eight stage, with England, Sri Lanka, and either Ireland or the West Indies. The winner of the Pakistan v Bangladesh group match will enter into Group F, alongside Australia, India and South Africa.
Pakistan are fifth in the betting for the outright tournament winner, offered at a top price of 6/1 (a £10 bet makes £60 profit) with BetVictor, while New Zealand can be backed at longest odds of 14/1 with Betfred.
2 Comments
