A flat track and a must-win match always bring the best out of you they say. Pakistan proves it here at Auckland. Pakistan was lucky to win the toss and with no second thoughts, they opted to bat first. A dream start was given by Zaman and Shehzad. An opening stand of 94 in 9 overs. Shehzad fell for 44. Zaman followed soon. Babar Azam and Sarfraz Ahmed continued from where Zaman-Shehzad left. 91 runs for the third wicket stormed the visitors to a massive total of 201 in their 20 overs. Ben Wheeler grabbed two wickets still he was expensive so is the other bowlers. This is a performance to forget for them.
Pakistan needed early wickets because everyone knew how strong the Blackcaps are. Pakistan bowlers were spot on. Munro went first followed by Williamson who scored his first duck as an international captain and the fall of wickets continued. Santner and Wheeler down the order provided little partnership still, No big knocks to hold the innings and the hosts were bowled out for 153. Pakistan did well with the ball too, everyone chipped in for the occasion. Ashraf is the pick of the bowlers with three wickets to his name.
Sanjay Manjrekar reacts after being removed from BCCI commentary panel