Pakistan Set 172 Run Target For New Zealand In First T20

Pakistan’s pace attack has a formidable look to it with the height and bounce of Mohammed Irfan, Wahab’s own pace at around 145kph and the swing of Amir who returns to global cricket following a five-year ban for spot-fixing.

On the occasion, Pakistan skipper said that his team was well prepared and ready to defeat any team in the world.

Pakistan paceman Wahab Riaz warned New Zealand they would face a far greater challenge against his team in their limited-overs series. “New Zealand is a good cricketing country, the wickets here are nice for the bowlers”. They lacked experience, but we have experience and some quality bowlers as well. He’s a great fast bowler – he’s proved that in the past.

Under the captaincy of Brendon McCullum, New Zealand have become a side known for their positive brand of cricket without the unnecessary display of on-field aggression.

In the end New Zealand were all out on the last ball of the ininings with 17 runs more to win. Pakistan will conclude its New Zealand trip on January 31.

“If any side is playing good cricket we have to appreciate that, and try to match them”.

“They are playing wonderful cricket at the moment”, dashing opener Shehzad said.

They had also beaten Sri Lanka 2-0 in Colombo in the middle of a year ago, but were more recently whitewashed by England in a three-match T20 series in the UAE. On the other hand Kane Williamson has been handed over the responsibilities of captaincy and yet he is assured that his knock out will not be affected in the process. In fact, he has left behind his impression on the team which has displayed a whole new form of approach to their games. Umar Akmal featured in the top order after his one-match suspension was overturned on Wednesday.

Amir endured a second slice of misfortune when Sohaib Maqsood dropped debutant Todd Astle off his bowling before he finally tasted success in the penultimate over, this time Afridi making no mistake in taking the catch to account for Henry. Ross Taylor has been rested for the match and Matt Henry replaces Mitch McClenaghan who has a slight injury. Captain Shahid Afridi and Umar Akmal also played cameos of 23 and 24 respectively whereas Imad Wasim also scored 19 as Pakistan ended on 171/8 in 20 overs.