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Tit for Tat: NZ wins series

Wednesday, January 14 2004

A very irreponsible batting performance during good bowling conditions saw Pakistan being dismissed for a meagre total of 126. New Zealand chased it comfortably to win the series 3-1.

New Zealand vs. Pakistan
4th ODI, Napier
14th January, 2004.

After a 5-0 series drubbing by the hands of Pakistan in Pakistan a couple of months back, it was New Zealand's turn to return the favors in their own backyard. And so they did. By inflicting a humiliating 8 wicket defeat on Pakistan at Napier, New Zealand secured the series 3-1 with one more match to go.

Winnings the toss, and putting Pakistan into bat, New Zealand bowlers utilized the cloudy conditions perfectly by bowling in the corridor to rout Pakistan's batting order. They were very conveniently supported by some very irresposible shots by the Pakistani batsmen. Ironically, number 10 batsman Shoaib Akhtar was the top scorer with 27 runs, and the 10th wicket partnership of 39 runs between Akhtar and fellow quickie Mohammad Sami was the highest of the innings. In fact, Pakistan at one stage reached 49-1, a reasonable condition to be in, before losing their next 5 wickets for 8 runs.

Yaseer Hamid was the first to go for 9, to Kyle Mills. Salim Elahi joined Imran Farhat, and both of them took the score to 49, before the collapse. Both fell to catches by wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum, off the bowling of Mills and Jacob Oram, and scores of 11 and 16, respectively.

Next in were Yousuf Youhana (4) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (0). Youhana brought the 50 up with a four off Oram, but then played the next ball onto his stumps. Inzamam too didn't last long, he was trapped in front of the wickets by Chris Cairns. Both falling at again the same score of 53. Shoaib Malik was the next to go, for a duck, leaving Pakistan at 57-6.

Moin Khan (15) and Abdul Razzaq (9) showed signs of rebuilding the crumbling innings, but just like most of the batsmen before, fell victims to irresponsible shots, to Tuffey's bowling. Azhar Mahmood soon followed for 9, with Pakistan on 87-9, staring humiliation in the face.

Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami launched an explosive counter attack, with Akhtar in particular, scoring 23 runs (inclusive of 4 boundaries) off the 30th over of the innings, bowled by Cairns. The quickie smashed 27 from 28 balls but was stopped in his tracks when Sami was caught by Hamish Marshall off Daniel Vettori, Pakistan finishing their innings at 126.

Tuffey was the top wicket-taker with 3 scalps, whereas Mills, Oram and Cairns picking 2 each.

By the time New Zealand openers Craig Cumming and Stephen Fleming made their way out, the overhead conditions had improved, and the pitch had become easy paced. Both the openers started slowly working only by quick running during perfectly placed shots. But business picked up when Fleming pulled 3 boundaries off one over from Sami, all executed gorgeously. Soon the score reached 84, with both batsmen looking fairly comfortable against the bowlers.

However, Fleming fell to the a slower ball from Azhar Mahmood for 39, soon followed by Hamish Marshall who was stumped by Moin off Malik's bowling. New Zealand at this stage were 87-2, but hardly in a spot of bother. Cairns joined Cumming, and together they added a quick 40 runs to help New Zealand sail to victory.

Cumming finished with his highest ODI score of 45 not out. With a very poor series upto this point, this innings should help the opener gain some confidence. Jacob Oram was named man of the match for his 24-2 in 10 overs.

Brief Scorecard:

Pakistan: 126 all out in 36.3 overs.

Shoaib Akhtar 27(28)

Daryl Tuffey 35-3(10)
Kyle Mills 17-2(8)
Jacob Oram 24-2(10)

New Zealand: 127-2 in 22.5 overs.

Craig Cumming 45(71)
Stephen Fleming 29(43)
Chris Cairns 25(21)

Shoaib Malik 19-1 (4.5)
Azhar Mahmood 32-1 (5)

Result: New Zealand won by 8 wickets.

Man on the Match: Jacob Oram (NZ)

Series: New Zealand 3, Pakistan 1

Posted by Sudeep