Pakistan seal series win against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 with a convincing win
A brilliant maiden One Day International (ODI) hundred by Ahmed Shehzad took the Pakistanis to their first 50 overs series win over the Black Caps in 17 years. The Men in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Green-c60723 recorded a comprehensive 41 runs win at Seddon Park to take an unassailable 3-1
lead in the six match series.
Batting first, Pakistan got off to a good start with Shehzad scoring runs at a brisk rate. He lost his first three partners relatively cheaply yet continued in his attacking frame of mind reaching his fifty off 56 balls. He was ably supported by vice-captain
Misbah-ul-Haq, the two added 77 runs for the fourth wicket.
The last few Pakistani batsmen failed to add quick runs. Umar Akmal was run out in the secomd last over for 32 runs while before him http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 and Abdul Razzaq failed to get the desired results.
Shehzad on the other hand completed his hundred off 101 balls. He was sent packing by Scott Styris with James Franklin taking an easy catch at the deep mid-wicket fence.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mills-c76321, Jacob Oram and Styris claimed two wickets each.
In reply the hosts got off to a shocking start, when for the second time in the series Jessie Ryder was run out without scoring a run. The left-handed batsman was on the non-strikers end when http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Misbah-ul-Haq-c1972 hit the stumps directly from the mid-on region.
Martin Guptill started the assault from the other end. He was in an attacking vein of form as Jamie How was sent packing by Wahab Riaz.
Guptill eventually perished for 65 runs. He was dismissed by Shoaib Akhar with Umar Akmal taking a fine catch.
Ross Taylor looked in good touch. He tried to keep pace with the asking rate, however, he lost Styris on the other end brilliantly run out by Younis Khan.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Taylor-c92915 was dismissed lbw by Afridi for 69 as he struck 4 fours and 1 six in his innings, the rest of the batsmen caved in against the mounting pressure folding up for 227 runs giving Afridi his first series win as captain.
Ahmed Shehzad was named man of the match. The final match of the series would be played at the Eden Park on February 5th.
Tags: