Just like the test series, New Zealand bounced back from a first up defeat, to square the Twenty20 Cricket series against Pakistan. After falling to a six wicket first up loss, New Zealand strangled the Pakistan batsmen to defend their rather lowly 140/4, eventually bowling out Pakistan for 127.
Anton Devcich was the hero for the Black Caps. The bit part cricketer showed his prowess with both bat and ball to claim the man of the match award. He scored 21 with the bat and took 2-16 in a display that significantly heightens his chances of featuring in the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
Earlier, a slow pitch made things challenging for all the batsmen with no one from either side topping 33. In New Zealand’s dig Kane Williamson (32), Tom Latham (26), and Luke Ronchi (31) were the main contributors; Ronchi particularly proving effective, striking at 163 including 20 from a Shahid Afridi over. Of the Pakistan bowlers Umar Gul was the most impressive. Returning to cricket for the first time since April the lanky seamer returned 2-24 from his 4 overs, cementing his position as one of the finest bowlers in T20 cricket.
Attempting the very gettable chase, Pakistan were faced with Devcich’s spin from the opening over and struggled to get the ball away., and they stuttered to 24-3. However with Ahmed Shehzad at the crease and the likes of Umar Akmal and Afridi to come the target was always within reach. Even with 39 required off 18 the task looked possible, and when Jimmy Neesham sent down the worst over of the match (conceding 15 from the first 5 balls) it looked almost assured. But the final ball was telling, Afridi nicked a short ball from Neesham to Ronchi to curtail the chase and deprive the fans of a gripping finale.
Another split series means the one-day cricket series will have to be used to split the sides. World Cup tinkering will also be on the agenda, as will monitoring the injuries of Corey Anderson and Martin Guptill.
New Zealand 144 for 8 (Williamson 32, Ronchi 31, Gul 2-24) beat Pakistan 127 (Shehzad 33, Afridi 28, Mills 3-26, Neesham 3-25) by 17 runs.
