Pakistan claim easy win

A half-century from Imran Nazir helped Pakistan trounce New Zealand by 49 runs in the first of two T20 internationals in Dubai.

Opener Nazir gave Pakistan a superb start with 58 off just 38 deliveries, but they then imploded in typical fashion with only Abdul Razzak (26 not out) and Shahid Afridi (24) making worthwhile contributions to a total of 161 for eight.

However, that score was more than enough as Afridi and Razzaq capped all-round performances by claiming a brace each to steamroll New Zealand for a mere 112 in 18.3 overs.

Nazir survived a considerably testing first over from Shane Bond with the new ball - he was hit in the ribs off the first ball - but built a solid platform.
Ian Butler bore the brunt as Nazir launched his attack with consecutive sixes, the bowler conceding 42 from three overs.

Nazir, who had lost both Kamran and Umar Akmal early, reached his second Twenty20 half-century with a six off Nathan McCullum and in the process put on 36 in quick time for the third wicket with Afridi.

Bond, easily the pick of the Black Cap bowlers, returned to remove Nazir and Aaron Redmond dismissed Afridi in his first over as Pakistan's innings unravelled.

New Zealand, already missing regular captain Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills and Jacob Oram, suffered another blow with Redmond pulling out in the middle of his third over with a groin strain, the all-rounder having caught and bowled Shoaib Malik by then.
New Zealand would have fancied their chances but struggled with the chase from the start.

Left-arm fast bowler Sohail Tanvir sent back Martin Guptill in his first over, but Mohammad Aamer inflicted bigger damage, snaffling stand-in captain Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor to reduce the Kiwis to 34 for three.

Razzaq then dismissed Scott Styris and Neil Broom and New Zealand slipped further when debutant Bradley-John Watling (22) - the only batsman apart from Nathan McCullum (22) to offer some resistance - was stumped off Saeed Ajmal.
Nathan's departure soon after signalled the end.

Subscribe in a reader