It was a proper definition of a thriller. All the people watching the match had their eyes glued and their thoughts running wild. And on the last ball all the on-lookers of the Pakistani and New Zealand fans had their hearts stopped. As the Pakistani batsman shot the ball in the field, everybody was sure for a boundary or rather two runs at the least. But the tables turned as out of nowhere a fielder that seemed to be planted in the field took the catch. With that New Zealand won the match by 1 run.
Winning the toss the Pakistani team chose to field first and did a good job containing the Kiwi team. The Pakistani bowlers did a splendid job, especially the spinners. Mohammad Sami gave 25 while bowling 3 and took 2. Though Aamer took none he bowled 3 overs giving 20. Abdur Rehman and Shahid Afridi took wickets while producing good spin, their being 3 overs, 19 for 2 and 4 overs 29 for 2. Mohammad Hafeez bowled economically while Saeed Ajmal bowled fine too. Their figures were: 11 runs in 3 overs and brilliantly producing figures of 3 overs, 19 for 2, 3 overs, 11 for none and 27 in 4.
From the New Zealand team Daniel Vettori was the highest scorer making 38 and Brendon McCullum 2nd highest making 33. Scott Styris helped with his 21 too. At the end they were 133/7.
The Pakistani opened their innings in the traditional manner, i.e. recklessly and unsuccessfully. Till Afridi who was looking good was given out on a controversial catch for the 5th wicket, there was no partnership to comment on. But then Abdul Razzaq came out and both he and Salman Butt played sensibly creating a partnership of 53 runs. However after Razzaq, though Butt tried to control the situation he lost the last ball and Pakistan was in trouble. Butt was the one to shine for Pakistan; remaining not out at 67 from 54.
For New Zealand Ian Butler, Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum bowled beautifully. Butler was the star though he got the two controversial wickets of Misbah-ul-Haq and Afridi. His figures were 4 overs, a maiden and 3 for 19. Mills and McCullum got 2 for 33 and 1 for 1 9 in their 4. Shane Bond and Vettori played their part with 1 for 28 and 0 for 31.
Now in the last league game unpredictable Pakistani team face South African team that have been surprisingly erratic this tournament. It is surprising to say that despite all failures the Pakistani team has met there is still hope they can make it to the semi-finals thanks to their better run-rate than the Proteas and the Kiwis. If England manages to beat New Zealand and Pakistan beat the Proteas then Pakistan would be in the semis. This would be a really interesting match for all the teams and will be a must watch.
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