Pakistan continue winning run in Twenty20’s, beat New Zealand by 49 runs

By Rahul Bajaj
for Cricketain.com

Published: November 13, 2009

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Dubai: Pakistan continued their good run in the shortest format of the game, defeating New Zealand by 49 runs in the first T20 at the Dubai stadium.

Pakistan, who lost the ODI series preceding the T20 matches, are the T20 world champions and they maintained that status, putting in a clinical performance against a feeble looking New Zealand outfit. The hosts rode on the efforts of opener Imran Nazir (58), who scored his first fifty in international cricket since coming back into the national fold from the ICL, helping Pakistan post a competitive total of 161 for 8 on the board. The fast bowlers then gave them a perfect start, bowling immaculate line and lengths with the spin pair of Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi wrapping up an easy win for the hosts.

The win was Pakistan’s 20th in 26 Twenty20 internationals and their third in as many matches against the injury-ravaged Black Caps.

Being put into bat, Pakistan got off to a flying start with Imran Nazir coming out all guns blazing. Nazir hit five fours and four massive sixes on way to a 38 balls 58 before speedster Shane Bond had him caught in the outfield in the 12th over to put the brakes on the innings.

New Zealand made a strong comeback taking the last six wickets for just 69 runs but a late order flourish from Abdul Razzaq (26 off 15 balls) took Pakistan to a score of 161 for 8. Shane Bond was impressive, returning with figures of 2 for 17 while Tim Southee ended with 3 for 28. The surprise package for the Kiwis was Aaron Redmond, who was bowling for the first time in a limited overs match and looked nothing more than a gentle leg-break bowler. He finished with figures of 2 for 24, picking up the important wickets of Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik.

Brendon McCullum, who was leading the side in the absence of the injured Daniel Vettori, gave the Kiwis a smashing start scoring 17 off the first over bowled by Mohammad Aamir. But Aamir came back strongly, by claiming McCullum (19) in his second and Ross Taylor (five) in his third to quash any hopes of an upset.

Abdul Razzaq (2-9) then dismissed Scott Styris (4) and Neil Broom (14), before spinners Shahid Afridi (2-21) and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal (2-18) wrapped up the New Zealand’s innings.

Captain Afridi said the win was a much-needed boost for Pakistan.

“We had to win this match after our one-day loss,” said Afridi. “After getting 161 I thought that with our varied attack, we’d successfully defend the total.”

New Zealand’s stand-in captain McCullum said a string of injuries affected the performance. “We were struck with injuries,” said McCullum. “But those who came in got the opportunity. We weren’t at our best today but we have the potential to turn this around.”

The second match will be played at the same venue on Friday.

Brief Scores:

Pakistan 161 for 8 (Nazir 58, Southee 3-28) beat New Zealand 112 (Watling 22, Razzaq 2-9) by 49 runs

Man of the Match: Imran Nazir

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