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Ross Taylor. (Getty Images)
Commentary (Pakistan innings)
Earlier in the match, Martin Guptill stroked his way to a magnificent hundred. It wasn't one of those innings where he gets after the bowlers and gives them a bashing, although it began with a huge hit from his blade. He stitched together a 112-run stand with Ross Taylor to give a good platform for the rest to capitalize on. But Pakistan's bowler's never let the final flourish come in as they picked up 66/5 in the last 10 overs. Rumman Raees and Faheem Ashraf picked up 5 among them to put brakes on the high-flying Kiwis.
The final outcome wouldn't have been possible if not for Matt Henry's crucial strikes early in the innings. He ended up with four wickets, thereby missing his fifer by not much. He was well supported by Mitchell Santner, who used his flight and guile to fox the batsmen.
However, what was on show from that position was something that is worth learning from for the others. Haris Sohail and Shadab Khan strung together a 105-run stand that came off 122 balls. If anything, this partnership gave the tourists an outside chance at having a shot at the target. Aamer Yamin, Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with useful contribution till the very end. But lack of wickets towards the end stymied their chances of getting a win on the tour. Picture this - the last five wickets added 199 for them and yet they ended 15 runs short of where they should have been at the end of the game.
Pakistan's bowlers restricted the New Zealand which seemed to be a surmountable score. But their batters made a hash of the run chase. As seen throughout the series, the base of chasing any total that is par or above is a good opening stand. The visitors have failed at stringing just that and that shows in the final outcome. None of the top order bats looked to stay out there and that shows in them slipping down to 57/5.
Wow! What a game we had in the end. It became to close for comfort in the end for New Zealand. Remember, sport is won on the field and not on paper or propositions. If only the top order batsmen had turned up... If only they hadn't been reckless in playing their shots... If only... Ifs and buts count for nothing. The better side won in the end, not before enthralling the sparse crowd in Wellington with some exciting brand of cricket.
48.6 M Henry to R Raees, OUT! That's all! Raees gets a short ball in the line of the stumps, he looks to pull it away over deep mid-wicket. Ends up mistiming it and hitting it in the air. Ferguson runs to his right from long on and takes that one with ease. Never took his eyes off that. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 15 RUNS AND TAKE THE SERIES 5-0! 256/10
48.5 M Henry to R Raees, Back of a length ball on the body, Raees backs away and looks to pull. The ball goes off his shoulder to the keeper. The crowd go up thinking it to be a wicket but it is not. 256/9
48.4 M Henry to A Yamin, This one is pulled away through mid-wicket for one. No chance for the batters to take the second here. 16 off 8 away. 256/9
48.3 M Henry to A Yamin, Length ball outside off, Aamer guides it through backward point. He hares back for the second run and beats the throw from the deep as he dives in, in desperation. He knows how important it is for him to get on strike. 255/9
48.2 M Henry to A Yamin, Short ball, Yamin misses the pull. 253/9
48.1 M Henry to A Yamin, FOUR! How many runs towards the end of this innings have come off the inside edge? We'll let you figure that out. Add this one to that list as Yamin squeezes this yorker off the inside edge to the fine leg fence. 19 required of 11. 253/9
Matt Henry to bowl out now. 23 required off the last two.
47.6 Tim Southee to R Raees, Another yorker on the stumps, dug out for nothing. 249/9
47.5 Tim Southee to R Raees, FOUR! Runs are all that matter for Pakistan and Raees will be happy that he is still unbeaten at the crease. Southee nails a yorker on point, Raees' bat comes down in time. The ball goes off the inner edge past the leg stick, beats Latham on the dive and goes to the fine leg fence. 23 more required for the visitors. 249/9
47.4 Tim Southee to A Yamin, Another yorker, dug out through square leg for one. 245/9
47.3 Tim Southee to A Yamin, Full ball on the pads, Yamin fails to get bat to that and gets it off his pads. A couple of leg byes result. 244/9
47.2 Tim Southee to A Yamin, FOUR! Southee misses his yorker by not much but pays a big price for that. It turns out to be an overpitched delivery. Yamin makes room and smacks it down the ground for a boundary. Long off can only retrieve it from the fence. 242/9
47.1 Tim Southee to A Yamin, Yorker on the stumps, dug out towards mid on. 238/9
Tim Southee to bowl out. 34 runs are required off the last three overs. The Kiwis need to knock just one over.
46.6 L Ferguson to R Raees, Shorter in length and slower in pace. Raees looks to pull but is early into the shot. Ends up getting it off the bottom of the blade towards square leg for nothing. 238/9
46.5 L Ferguson to A Yamin, Fuller outside off, driven through covers for one. 238/9
46.5 L Ferguson to A Yamin, WIDE! Another bouncer, ducked under. The umpire signals a wide and also says that it is the second one for the over. 237/9
46.4 L Ferguson to A Yamin, Slower one outside off, Yamin looks to heave it out of New Zealand but only makes contact with thin air. 236/9
46.3 L Ferguson to R Raees, Length ball angling down leg, nudged down to fine leg for one. Raees opens his account now. 236/9
Rumman Raees strides out to bat as the last batsman for Pakistan.
46.2 L Ferguson to M Nawaz, OUT! Knocked him over! Length ball in line of the stumps at 148.9 kph, Nawaz sees the length and looks to play the big shot. He's caught off guard with the pace on that and ends up getting his stumps shattered. Perhaps, Ferguson vented his frustration at being wided on the previous ball with this high-paced stuff. The hosts are just one wicket away from 5-0 win now. 235/9
46.2 L Ferguson to M Nawaz, WIDE! Slower bouncer in line of the stumps, Nawaz gets beaten by the lack of pace on that one. The umpire then decides to stretch his arms belatedly that surprises the Kiwis. 235/8
46.1 L Ferguson to M Nawaz, Slower ball outside off on a fuller length. Nawaz fails to get it away and it is a dot ball. 234/8
45.6 Tim Southee to M Nawaz, The ball has taken the inside edge of the bat and goes down the leg side. They pick up a single. 38 runs required off the last 4 overs now. 234/8
45.5 Tim Southee to M Nawaz, FOUR! Short in length, pulled away with disdain. Area - over the man at short fine leg. Crucial runs. 233/8
45.4 Tim Southee to A Yamin, This is pulled away through square leg for one. 229/8
Interesting! The batters got together in the middle and exchanged their bats. This is just like the practise done in gully cricket.
45.3 Tim Southee to M Nawaz, Nawaz works it through square leg for a single. 228/8
45.2 Tim Southee to A Yamin, Another yorker around off, dug out towards cover-point for one. 227/8
45.1 Tim Southee to A Yamin, Excellently bowled. Southee runs in and nails in a yorker in line of the stumps. Yamin does well to get his bat down on time. 226/8
Tim Southee is back on.
44.6 L Ferguson to M Nawaz, FOUR! This is full just outside off, Nawaz makes room and just plants his open-faced bat down in on time. Guides the ball to the third man fence for a boundary. 16 runs have come off this over. 226/8
44.5 L Ferguson to M Nawaz, Short in length, Nawaz goes for the pull. Top edges it towards mid-wicket. It lands in the no man's land and a couple taken. 222/8
44.4 L Ferguson to M Nawaz, FOUR! If the previous ball has power in it, this one has classical timing. Overpitched in line of the stumps, Nawaz drives it down the ground. His timing is such that Williamson at mid off doesn't stand a chance of cutting that off. 220/8
44.3 L Ferguson to M Nawaz, SIX! Boom! Short in length, Nawaz makes room and pulls it with aplomb. He has made more-than-decent connection as the ball goes all the way over the fence. 216/8
44.2 L Ferguson to M Nawaz, Banged short on the stumps, ducked under. 210/8
44.1 L Ferguson to M Nawaz, Short ball, pulled straight to mid-wicket. 210/8
Lockie Ferguson back into the attack.
43.6 M Santner to A Yamin, SIX! Yamin says, even I can weild my willow here. Gets down and slogs this high over the deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum. It has gone 85m over the fence. Santner bowls out and his figures read 10-0-40-3. 210/8
43.5 M Santner to M Nawaz, Nawaz guides it to third man. One run added to the total. 204/8
43.4 M Santner to A Yamin, This is a bit short in length, cut away by Aamer for one. 203/8
43.3 M Santner to A Yamin, Yamin charges down the track and defends. 202/8
43.2 M Santner to A Yamin, Floated in line of the stumps, defended off the front foot onto the ground. 202/8
Mohammad Nawaz is the next batsman in.
43.1 M Santner to F Ashraf, OUT! The batsman who have got their eyes in are intent on gifting away their wickets to Santner. After Sohail and Shadab, add Ashraf to the list. Sees this ball flighted, he gets down to slog sweep it over mid-wicket. Ends up skying it high. Southee gets to his right from mid-wicket and runs backwards towards mid on and takes it nicely. These are not easy catches, mind you, but Tim has done really well. Pakistan slip further, they require 70 more off 41 balls, while the hosts just 2 wickets away. 202/8
42.6 M Henry to F Ashraf, Played to the point region by the batsman. One run added to the total. 13 runs have come off this over. 70 more required off 42 balls now. 202/7
42.5 M Henry to F Ashraf, SIX! This is a top edge, make no mistake. Yet it sails over the fence for a biggie. Bowled short in line of the stumps, it is slanting away from Ashraf. He gives it his all and goes for the pull. Gets a thick top edge that helps the ball sail over the fine leg fence for half a dozen. 201/7
42.4 M Henry to F Ashraf, Bouncer in line of the stumps, FA ducks. 195/7
42.3 M Henry to F Ashraf, FOUR! This guy can bat, he really can. Length delivery outside off, Faheem stands deep in the crease and guides it to the third man fence for a boundary. 195/7
42.2 M Henry to A Yamin, Turned through mid-wicket for a single. 191/7
42.1 M Henry to A Yamin, FOUR! Edged but runs! At the moment, for Pakistan, it doesn't matter how runs come as far as they keep coming. Length delivery well outside off, Yamin first makes room, but then reaches out to this delivery that is well away. Ends up getting a cue end just past the keeper for a boundary. Simon Doull on air says that Latham at least should have dived and given a try there. 190/7
Matt Henry comes back for another burst. He has a couple of overs left. Can he get a fifer here? 86 required off the last 8 overs.
41.6 M Santner to A Yamin, This is eased down to long on for a single. 186/7
41.5 M Santner to F Ashraf, Nudged down to fine leg for one. 185/7
41.4 M Santner to F Ashraf, Nicely played. Ashraf goes deep inside the crease and guides it through backward point for a brace. There is a slight misfield in the deep but the couple was always on. 184/7
41.3 M Santner to A Yamin, Flat outside off, cut away for one. 182/7
41.2 M Santner to A Yamin, Punched off the backfoot by the batsman. 181/7
41.1 M Santner to A Yamin, Loopy ball wide outside off Yamin looks to fetch the slog but misses. 181/7
40.6 de Grandhomme to F Ashraf, SIX! Bazoooka! What a shot this! It came out of nowhere. De Grandhomme bowls a slower one on a shorter length in line of the stumps. Ashraf is on the front foot but transfers his weight back nicely and heaves it over deep square leg for half a dozen. That traveled 88 metres in spite of it coming off the inner half. 9 runs off this over, 91 more needed. 181/7
40.5 de Grandhomme to A Yamin, This one is pulled through square leg for a single. 175/7
40.4 de Grandhomme to A Yamin, Fuller in line, eased towards mid-wicket. 174/7
40.3 de Grandhomme to F Ashraf, A short delivery which has been pulled away. The batsmen have run through for a single. 174/7
40.2 de Grandhomme to F Ashraf, This one is pulled away towards square leg. 173/7
40.1 de Grandhomme to A Yamin, Lucky runs. Shorter in length, Yamin looks to pull but gets a top edge towards third man for one. 173/7
The last Powerplay is in progress now. A maximum of 5 fielders can be outside the inner ring till the end of the innings. Colin de Grandhomme is into the attack now. 100 required for Pakistan in the last 10 overs while the Black Caps require 3 wickets.
39.6 M Santner to F Ashraf, Sohail looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads. 172/7
39.5 M Santner to F Ashraf, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 172/7
39.4 M Santner to A Yamin, Yamin gets going straightaway with a drive through covers. 172/7
Aamer Yamin walks in next.
39.3 M Santner to S Khan, OUT! Mitchell Santner is making the right noises in this spell. He has picked up two wickets in two overs. What's more, he has got both the set batters out of here. Tosses it up well outside off, Shadab now cannot resist the temptation of coming down the track. Does so and looks to go inside out. Ends up getting a thick outside edge straight to short third man where Nicholls accepts a dolly. Another set batsman departs and now the end is nigh for Pakistan. 171/7
39.2 M Santner to S Khan, Floated on the stumps, blocked from the crease. 171/6
39.1 M Santner to F Ashraf, The carrom ball bowled on the pads, Ashraf nudges it to short fine leg for a single. 171/6
38.6 L Ferguson to F Ashraf, Faheem plays it to point for one. 170/6
38.6 L Ferguson to F Ashraf, Five Wides! Poor delivery but Latham should have done better. Ferguson sprays this down the leg side at 145.7 kph, Ashraf misses the flick. Latham is late in putting the dive to his right and fails to get a hand to that. The ball speeds away to the fence in no time. NZ need to be careful here. 169/6
38.5 L Ferguson to F Ashraf, Hurled around off, defended back towards the bowler. 164/6
38.4 L Ferguson to S Khan, Fuller in length, driven through mid off for one. 164/6
38.3 L Ferguson to S Khan, Fuller in length, Shadab keeps it out towards covers. 163/6
38.2 L Ferguson to S Khan, This is outside off, played towards point. 163/6
38.1 L Ferguson to S Khan, Bumper on the stumps, Khan gets away from the line of the ball. 163/6
37.6 M Santner to S Khan, Khan taps it in front of covers and gets to the other end. 163/6
37.5 M Santner to S Khan, Khan keeps it out from the crease. 162/6
37.4 M Santner to S Khan, Driven through the covers by the batsman. 162/6
37.3 M Santner to S Khan, Floated on off, driven towards covers. 162/6
Fahim Ashraf is the next man in. Remember, he came out to open the innings in the previous game and here he is today, in at no.8.
37.2 M Santner to H Sohail, OUT! Is this the striking blow served on Pakistan? Is this the scalp that helps New Zealand shut the game off? Santner, with his guile, ekes out a big scalp. He tosses it up brilliantly and asks Sohail to go big down the ground. The batter is so well set, that he thinks he can easily clear long on and get a maximum. Fails to counter for the lack of pace on this one and doesn't get to the pitch of the ball even after dancing down the track. Gets more height than distance and the ball travels straight to Henry stationed at long on. A very good innings from the southpaw comes to an end, the Kiwis are just 4 wickets away from a win here. The men in green require 110 more in 76 balls. 162/6
37.1 M Santner to H Sohail, Fuller on the pads, placed towards mid-wicket. 162/5
Mitchell Santner back for a bowl.
36.6 L Ferguson to S Khan, Banged short in line of the stumps, Khan evades it. 162/5
36.5 L Ferguson to H Sohail, Sohail plays it to long off and gets to the other end. 162/5
36.4 L Ferguson to S Khan, This is punched off the back foot towards covers for one. 161/5
36.3 L Ferguson to S Khan, FOUR! Take a bow, Shadab Khan! Gets to his 3rd ODI fifty in style, it is his second in this series. Gets a back of a length ball around off, he arches back and just helps it through the vacant slip cordon for a boundary to bring up his milestone. Gets down and pays respect to the Almighty as he celebrates. Also, this partnership reaches triple figure now. This stand has kept their side in the game still. 160/5
36.2 L Ferguson to S Khan, Outside off, pushed towards point. 156/5
36.1 L Ferguson to S Khan, On a length around off, defended from the crease. 156/5
Lockie Ferguson is back into the attack.
35.6 M Henry to H Sohail, This drive finds the cover fielder to perfection. 156/5
35.5 M Henry to H Sohail, FOUR! Gets the desired boundary this time. Fuller and straighter in line of the stumps, Sohail hits it straight down the ground for a boundary. 10 runs already off this over. 156/5
35.4 M Henry to H Sohail, Well saved! Length ball, a touch short, Sohail goes back and hits it over mid on. He hasn't timed it too well but clears the fielder there. He chases it and does well to keep them to two. 152/5
35.3 M Henry to H Sohail, FOUR! Clever and deft. Length ball angling away, Sohail stands tall and just opens the face of the bat at the last moment. The ball races to the third man for a boundary. 150/5
35.2 M Henry to H Sohail, This is full, driven back towards the bowler. 146/5
35.1 M Henry to H Sohail, Punched off the back foot towards covers. 146/5
34.6 de Grandhomme to S Khan, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 146/5
34.5 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, Sohail nudges it through mid-wicket for one. 146/5
34.4 de Grandhomme to S Khan, This one is pulled away through square leg for one. 145/5
Latham stands up to the stumps.
34.3 de Grandhomme to S Khan, FOUR! Khan is looking confident in the company of Sohail here. Gets a delivery that is short in length, he flat-bats it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Gets to 46 with that. 144/5
34.2 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, This one is driven through the cover region for one. 140/5
34.1 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, 9th ODI fifty for Haris Sohail. He has held fort well here, even when all seemed lost for Pakistan. What's more, he has largely looked untroubled and has batted at a good pace. He drives the full ball that he gets here down the ground for a couple to get to the mark. Consecutive fifties for the southpaw. 139/5
33.6 M Henry to H Sohail, Guided to third man for a single that takes him to 48. 137/5
33.5 M Henry to H Sohail, Banged short in the line of the stumps, Sohail loses his balance as he sways away from the line. 136/5
33.4 M Henry to S Khan, Short ball, seems to be a knuckle delivery. Khan pulls it to square leg for one. 136/5
33.3 M Henry to H Sohail, This ball is outside off, played through point for one. 135/5
33.2 M Henry to S Khan, This is bowled outside off, cut away to deep backward point for one. 134/5
There is a small chat with Kyle Mills, the Kiwi bowling coach, on air. He has been asked about Matt Henry's return today after he played a game on the Boxing Day last year. The coach replies that he has an exceptional bouncer and has been disciplined with the ball today. Says that he himself shouldn't be harsh on him and should perform freely.
33.1 M Henry to H Sohail, On the pads, clipped away through square leg for one. 133/5
Drinks are on the field now. 17 overs left in the game and Pakistan are still 140 runs away from their destination. They have only 5 wickets left. They have done well to have Ashraf, the all-rounder, back in the dug out still. Can they sneak home from here or will the screenplay pan as per the script?
32.6 de Grandhomme to S Khan, FOUR! Just evades short third man. Hurled fuller in length outside off, Khan looks to go over cover. Gets a thick outside edge that flies just over a leaping Nicholls and races away to the third man fence. 132/5
32.5 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, Quick run. Sohail pats this delivery around off towards mid off and sets off for a run. Williamson there is on his heels and hence allows the single in spite of the wild shy at the bowler's end. 128/5
32.4 de Grandhomme to S Khan, Short and wide, Khan hangs back and slaps it through the cover region for one. 127/5
32.3 de Grandhomme to S Khan, Bowled in line of the stumps, punched back to the bowler. 126/5
32.2 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, Length ball on the pads, flicked away through backward square leg for one. This stand is worth 69 now. 126/5
Tom Latham comes up to the stumps.
32.1 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, Fuller and on the pads, kept down to mid-wicket. 125/5
Colin de Grandhomme comes back into the attack.
31.6 M Henry to H Sohail, Haris plays it through point to retain strike. 125/5
31.5 M Henry to S Khan, Another length ball outside off, Shadab throws his hands at that and gets it off the outer half to third man for one. 124/5
31.4 M Henry to S Khan, This one is defended off the front foot. 123/5
31.3 M Henry to H Sohail, Length ball on the pads, nudged away to fine leg for one. 123/5
31.2 M Henry to H Sohail, This one is flicked off the pads to square leg for nothing. 122/5
31.1 M Henry to S Khan, Length ball outside off, Shadab slaps it through the cover region for one. 122/5
Matt Henry, with figures of 5-1-11-3, comes back into the attack. Pakistan require 151 more runs in 114 balls. In the era of T20s, this is a gettable task but with not much batting left in the banks, the task is a difficult one.
30.6 L Ferguson to S Khan, Short and wide, cut away to deep backward point to retain strike. 121/5
30.5 L Ferguson to S Khan, This ball is bunted towards covers. 120/5
30.4 L Ferguson to S Khan, Angling in on a length, Shadab gets beaten for pace and gets hit high on the back leg. An appeal follows from the fielding team but the umpire doesn't give the nod. 120/5
30.4 L Ferguson to S Khan, WIDE! Banged short but going down leg, Shadab ducks. Wide signaled. 120/5
30.4 L Ferguson to S Khan, WIDE! Full and angling down leg, Khan misses the flick and it is wided by the umpire. 119/5
30.3 L Ferguson to S Khan, Blocked from the crease with a straight bat. 118/5
30.2 L Ferguson to H Sohail, This one is angling away from Sohail, he stays back and guides it to third man for one. 118/5
30.1 L Ferguson to H Sohail, On a length outside off, played towards point. 117/5
29.6 M Santner to S Khan, This one is hit back straight to the bowler. 117/5
29.5 M Santner to S Khan, FOUR! That's not a good ball from Mitch. Bowls a half-tracker, Khan has enough time to go back and pull it over mid-wicket for a boundary. The stand moves to 60, while the margin for victory comes down to 156. 117/5
29.4 M Santner to H Sohail, Driven towards the mid on region. The batsmen have run through for a single. 113/5
29.3 M Santner to S Khan, Wow. Mitchell tosses it up outside off, Khan goes inside out over covers for one. 112/5
29.2 M Santner to S Khan, Shadab gets behind the ball and blocks it down. 111/5
29.1 M Santner to H Sohail, Floated up around leg, driven back a tad uppishly past the bowler for one. On another look it is seen that it is the carrom ball. The on-air commentator Ian Smith feels proud that he picked that up from a distance on the first go. 111/5
28.6 L Ferguson to S Khan, Banged short on the stumps, Khan sways away from the line to let it be. 110/5
28.5 L Ferguson to H Sohail, On the pads, nudged away through backward square leg for one. 110/5
28.4 L Ferguson to H Sohail, Short and wide outside off, Sohail looks to play at that but misses. 109/5
28.3 L Ferguson to S Khan, Now, sees this ball on a length outside off and guides it to third man for one. 109/5
28.2 L Ferguson to S Khan, Khan brings down a nice straight bat to block this out. 108/5
28.1 L Ferguson to H Sohail, Length ball outside off, a touch fuller. Driven nicely to sweeper for one. 108/5
Lockie Ferguson back for a burst.
27.6 M Santner to S Khan, Defended off the back foot by SK. 107/5
27.5 M Santner to S Khan, Khan gets down to sweep but get hit on the right shoulder. 107/5
27.4 M Santner to H Sohail, Sohail eases this down to long on to rotate strike. This brings up the 50-run stand between Sohail and Khan. This is turning out to be a good association. Pakistan would be thinking, if only some of the top order batsmen displayed what these two have done..... 107/5
27.3 M Santner to S Khan, Carrom ball gone wrong! Santner tries the variation but it doesn't come off well. Ends up being a short one and Shadab goes back and cuts it through cover-point for one. 106/5
27.2 M Santner to S Khan, Some more air given to this one around middle and leg, Khan lunges forward and defends. 105/5
27.1 M Santner to S Khan, Nicely floated around off and middle, defended off the front foot onto the ground. 105/5
26.6 Tim Southee to S Khan, Khan stays back to this length ball and cuts it past backward point for one. 105/5
26.5 Tim Southee to S Khan, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 104/5
26.4 Tim Southee to H Sohail, Sohail once again stands tall and opens the face of the bat to guide it to third man for one. 104/5
26.3 Tim Southee to S Khan, Full and outside off, driven through covers for one. 103/5
26.2 Tim Southee to H Sohail, Hurled on a length around off, Sohail guides it through backward point for one. 102/5
26.1 Tim Southee to H Sohail, Bowled in line of the stumps, defended from the crease. 101/5
25.6 M Santner to S Khan, Angled in and floated nicely, Shadab gets down and sweeps it over square leg for a brace. 101/5
25.5 M Santner to H Sohail, Loopy ball around off, driven through covers for one. 99/5
25.4 M Santner to S Khan, Lovely bowling from Santner. He is using the width of the crease nicely here. Goes wide and tosses it up nicely around leg. Khan looks to make room and play it inside out. Ends up missing the ball, which goes off his back thigh over the stumps, past the keeper for one. Leg bye signaled by the umpire. Shadab is lucky to be out there still. 98/5
25.3 M Santner to H Sohail, Knocked through mid-wicket to rotate strike. 97/5
25.2 M Santner to H Sohail, Floated full outside off, driven straight to the man at covers. 96/5
25.1 M Santner to S Khan, Flighted ball around off and middle, driven through mid off for one. 96/5
Colin de Grandhomme is back on the field.
24.6 Tim Southee to H Sohail, Haris pushes it defensively back towards the bowler. 95/5
24.5 Tim Southee to S Khan, Short ball, a tennis-like pull shot played towards square leg for one. 95/5
24.4 Tim Southee to S Khan, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 94/5
Colin de Grandhomme is also off the field.
24.3 Tim Southee to S Khan, Outside off, defended towards point. 94/5
24.2 Tim Southee to S Khan, This one is nicely flicked away through mid-wicket. Gets two for the shot. 94/5
24.1 Tim Southee to S Khan, On a length around off, defended off the back foot. 92/5
Tim Southee back on.
23.6 M Santner to H Sohail, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 92/5
Martin Guptill has gone out of the field. After the effort on the previous ball, he looked to be in some discomfort and has rightly walked off the field. New Zealand will hope that he hasn't done some serious damage to himself.
23.5 M Santner to S Khan, Served on off, eased past mid off. Guptill gets there, puts in a dive but fails to stop that. Immediately is unhappy with something and is seen clutching his right shoulder in pain. 92/5
23.4 M Santner to S Khan, This one is blocked off the front foot. 91/5
23.3 M Santner to S Khan, Tossed up outside off, Shadab lofts it inside out over covers for a couple. 91/5
23.2 M Santner to S Khan, This ball is kept out towards covers. 89/5
23.1 M Santner to S Khan, Floated up nicely in line of the stumps, Shadab comes forward and guides it towards backward point. 89/5
22.6 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, HS defends it from within the crease. 89/5
22.5 de Grandhomme to S Khan, Khan goes back and works this through mid-wicket to get to the other end. 89/5
22.4 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, This is flicked off the pads through square leg for one. 88/5
22.3 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, This one is guided to the fielder at point. 87/5
22.2 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, This full ball is driven down the ground. Mid off gets to his left and cuts it off. 87/5
22.1 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, Full around middle, driven to mid on. 87/5
21.6 M Santner to S Khan, Khan goes back and blocks it with a straight bat. 87/5
21.5 M Santner to H Sohail, Santner continues round the wicket and delivers this on the pads. Haris works it away round the corner for one. 87/5
21.4 M Santner to S Khan, Shadab eases this through mid off to rotate strike. 86/5
21.3 M Santner to S Khan, Flatter and shorter outside off, Khan goes back and cuts it through backward point for a brace. 85/5
21.2 M Santner to S Khan, This one is defended towards point. 83/5
21.1 M Santner to H Sohail, Floated on the stumps, turned through square leg for one. 83/5
20.6 de Grandhomme to S Khan, Almost played on! Length ball just outside off, Khan looks to guide it to third man and get to the other end. Ends up getting an inside edge onto his back boot. Thankfully for him, he doesn't play this on. 82/5
20.5 de Grandhomme to S Khan, FOUR! Timing. That's all that was there on this one. Full and angling in, Khan just drives it through wide mid on. The fielder there gets to his left, puts in the dive but fails to have any impact on that. A boundary results. 82/5
20.4 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, Guided to third man for a single from the crease. 78/5
20.3 de Grandhomme to S Khan, This ball is driven towards mid off for a quick run even as Kane does well to stop it with a dive. 195 more needed off 178 balls for the visitors. 77/5
20.1 de Grandhomme to S Khan, Fuller on off, pushed defensively back towards the bowler. 76/5
19.6 M Santner to S Khan, Guided to the point region off the front foot for a single. 76/5
19.5 M Santner to S Khan, Shadab prods forward and keeps it out with a straight bat. 75/5
Look at the eagerness. Visuals of Santner's carrom ball to dismiss Fakhar Zaman in the previous game are rolled in and the commentators on air are eager to see that dream delivery yet again. So much so that they are seen indulging in predicting every other ball to be a carrom ball.
19.4 M Santner to S Khan, Nicely tossed up, Khan plays with the turn to backward point. 75/5
19.3 M Santner to S Khan, Floated around leg, Khan lunges forward and defends. 75/5
19.2 M Santner to H Sohail, A touch shorter in length, it allows Sohail to go back and punch it down the ground for one. 75/5
19.1 M Santner to H Sohail, Floated around off, defended with a straight bat face. 74/5
Mitchell Santner is introduced at the bowling crease.
18.6 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, Haris stays back and guides it to third man to rotate strike. 74/5
18.6 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, WIDE! Full and down the leg side, Sohail misses the flick. The umpire has to stretch his arms. 73/5
18.5 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, Bowled in line of the stumps, defended back towards the bowler. 72/5
18.4 de Grandhomme to S Khan, Length ball outside off, patted towards point for one. 72/5
18.3 de Grandhomme to S Khan, This ball is similar to the previous one, punched off the back foot to covers. 71/5
18.2 de Grandhomme to S Khan, On a length around off and middle, Khan goes back and presents a straight bat in defense. 71/5
18.1 de Grandhomme to S Khan, Full on the pads, flicked away to fine leg for a couple. 71/5
17.6 L Ferguson to S Khan, The batsman guides it to third man. They pick up a single. 69/5
17.5 L Ferguson to H Sohail, On the pads, flicked through square leg for a run. 68/5
17.4 L Ferguson to H Sohail, Fuller in length, pushed to covers. 67/5
17.3 L Ferguson to H Sohail, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 67/5
17.2 L Ferguson to H Sohail, FOUR! Haris is looking really comfortable out there. Ferguson bowls it on the pads. Sohail flicks it through mid-wicket and the ball races away. 67/5
17.2 L Ferguson to H Sohail, WIDE! Another one down the leg side and the umpire calls it a wide. 63/5
17.2 L Ferguson to H Sohail, FIVE WIDES! That must have slipped! Ferguson bowls it way down the leg side. Latham behind the stumps, dives to his right but he had no chance. The ball beats him and goes down to the fence and the umpire calls it a wide. 62/5
17.1 L Ferguson to H Sohail, Back of a length on off, defended solidly. 57/5
Shadab Khan walks out to the middle.
16.6 de Grandhomme to S Ahmed, OUT! Oh, oh, oh! What a catch, Ross! New Zealand can do nothing wrong here. Colin de Grandhomme gets his first. He lands it on a length around middle, Sarfraz Ahmed comes down the track and tries to go over mid-wicket. It goes off the inner half towards Taylor there, who times his jump to perfection, sticks his right hand out and takes an excellent catch. Half the side is back in the hut for Pakistan. They need another 215 more and a miracle from here if they are to win. 57/5
16.5 de Grandhomme to S Ahmed, On a length on middle, driven to mid on. 57/4
16.4 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, On the pads, flicked through square leg for a run. 57/4
16.3 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, The batsman has driven that ball straight back. 56/4
16.2 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, On a length around off, defended solidly. 56/4
16.1 de Grandhomme to S Ahmed, Fuller on middle, Ahmed works it to mid-wicket for a run. 56/4
15.6 L Ferguson to H Sohail, Bouncer on middle, Sohail defends it. 55/4
15.5 L Ferguson to H Sohail, The batsman has driven it straight down the ground. 55/4
15.4 L Ferguson to H Sohail, Back of a length on off, defended. 55/4
15.3 L Ferguson to S Ahmed, Back of a length on off, guided down to third man for a run. 55/4
15.2 L Ferguson to S Ahmed, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 54/4
15.1 L Ferguson to S Ahmed, Almost chops it on! Ferguson bowls it shorter in length outside off, Sarfraz tries to guide it down to third man away from his body. The ball takes the inside edge and onto his shoes and rolls besides the stumps. 54/4
14.6 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, Back of a length on off, defended solidly. 54/4
14.5 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 54/4
14.4 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 54/4
14.3 de Grandhomme to S Ahmed, Works it with the angle towards mid-wicket. The fielder comes running in towards the ball but misfields as he takes his eyes off it, no extra run conceded though as mid on was backing up. 54/4
14.2 de Grandhomme to S Ahmed, Fuller on off, driven to covers. 53/4
14.1 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, Back of a length on off, pushed towards cover for a run. 53/4
Drinks! Sarfraz Ahmed, the skipper, walks out to the middle.
13.6 L Ferguson to M Hafeez, OUT! Munro takes it this time and he is delighted, pleased to hang on to one! Ferguson bangs it short outside off, Hafeez, who was happy to block most of the balls he faced, tries to slap this one over covers. He does not get the desired elevation and Munro there leaps and takes it by stretching both his hands and throws it up in joy. Just as a partnership was starting to build New Zealand strike. The Kiwis are six wickets away now from inflicting a whitewash. 52/4
13.5 L Ferguson to M Hafeez, Back of a length on off, Hafeez defends it. 52/3
13.4 L Ferguson to M Hafeez, Back of a length on middle, worked to mid-wicket. 52/3
13.3 L Ferguson to M Hafeez, Full and wide outside off, the sucker ball. Hafeez was sucked into the shot but gets beaten. 52/3
13.2 L Ferguson to M Hafeez, Back of a length on off, pushed to covers. 52/3
13.1 L Ferguson to M Hafeez, FOUR! Lovely timing! Perfect example of using the pace. Ferguson bowls it fuller at 142 Kph! Hafeez leans into it and drives it through covers for a boundary. 52/3
12.6 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 48/3
12.5 de Grandhomme to M Hafeez, Angles it on the pads, Hafeez misses the flick and is hit on the pads. The ball rolls on the leg side for a leg bye. 48/3
12.4 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, Shorter in length outside off, Haris tries to force it through the off side off the back foot. He gets an inside edge, between his legs for a run. 47/3
12.3 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, FOUR! Brilliant shot! The on drive is one of the hardest shots to play and Haris made it look very simple there. Colin bowls it full on middle, Sohail eases it through mid on for boundary. 46/3
12.2 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, On a length outside off, driven on the up to point. 42/3
12.1 de Grandhomme to H Sohail, Fullish ball outside off, Sohail leaves it. 42/3
11.6 L Ferguson to M Hafeez, A bouncer at 141 kph! Hafeez is hurried as he tries to pull. He mistimes it to square leg. 42/3
11.5 L Ferguson to H Sohail, Shorter on middle, Haris works it towards mid on for a quick run. 42/3
11.4 L Ferguson to H Sohail, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it. 41/3
11.3 L Ferguson to H Sohail, FOUR! Much-needed! Full on off, driven through mid off and the ball races away. 41/3
11.2 L Ferguson to H Sohail, Back of a length on off, pushed to point. 37/3
11.1 L Ferguson to M Hafeez, Back of a length on off, guided to point for a run. The fielder there makes a good stop but can't stop the single. 37/3
11.1 L Ferguson to M Hafeez, Bowls a bouncer but down the leg side. The umpire calls it a wide. 36/3
Lockie Ferguson into the attack.
10.6 de Grandhomme to M Hafeez, A single to finish! Full on off, driven towards mid off for a run. 35/3
10.5 de Grandhomme to M Hafeez, Full on off, eased to mid off. 34/3
10.4 de Grandhomme to M Hafeez, Bowls it outside off, Hafeez uses his wrists to flick it to mid-wicket for no runs. 34/3
10.3 de Grandhomme to M Hafeez, On the middle stump, cliped to mid-wicket. 34/3
10.2 de Grandhomme to M Hafeez, Fullish outside off, driven to covers. 34/3
10.1 de Grandhomme to M Hafeez, On the pads, Hafeez fails to put it away as he flicks it to mid-wicket. 34/3
Powerplay 2 has been signaled! Now 4 fielders can be placed outside the circle till the 40th over. Also, Colin de Grandhomme comes into the attack.
9.6 M Henry to H Sohail, Sloppy from New Zealand! You normally don't see them being poor in the field. Henry bowls it just behind a length. Haris guides it towards point. The fielder there misfields and concedes two. 34/3
9.5 M Henry to H Sohail, Fuller in length on off, driven to mid off. 32/3
9.4 M Henry to H Sohail, Another dot! This is what wickets do, they stop you from scoring. Henry bowls it back of a length, Sohail pushes it to covers. 32/3
9.3 M Henry to H Sohail, Bowls a bumper on middle, Sohail ducks. 32/3
9.2 M Henry to H Sohail, Another length ball around off, Haris is solid in defense. 32/3
9.1 M Henry to H Sohail, Back of a length on off, Haris guides it towards point. 32/3
8.6 Tim Southee to M Hafeez, Fullish ball on off, driven to mid off. 32/3
8.5 Tim Southee to M Hafeez, Shorter in length outside off, Hafeez goes to pull but is beaten. 32/3
8.4 Tim Southee to M Hafeez, On a length, Hafeez defends it. 32/3
8.3 Tim Southee to H Sohail, Another edge but this time it is a run. Sohail goes after a ball outside off, it takes the edge and goes down to third man for a single. 32/3
8.2 Tim Southee to H Sohail, Back of a length on off, Haris defends it to point. 31/3
8.1 Tim Southee to H Sohail, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 31/3
7.6 M Henry to M Hafeez, Back of a length on off, Hafeez defends it onto the ground. 31/3
7.5 M Henry to M Hafeez, A length ball which rises off the surface. Hafeez does well to evade it. 31/3
Mohammad Hafeez is the new man in.
7.4 M Henry to B Azam, OUT! Henry gets his third and Azam is walking back. Does that now end the hopes of Pakistan chasing this total? Henry bowls it on a length around off, it shapes away a touch. Azam presses forward to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes into the hands of Guptill at second slip who takes it. The line was such that he HAD TO play at it. Excellent bowling by the pacer. The Kiwis are ecstatic and Azam's poor form continues. Pakistan are three down now and they are staring down the barrel. 31/3
7.3 M Henry to B Azam, Bouncer! Azam ducks under it. 31/2
7.2 M Henry to H Sohail, Full on off, Sohail drives it towards mid off. He sets of for a run. The fielder there fails to collect it and hence a run completed. 31/2
7.1 M Henry to H Sohail, Length ball outside off, Sohail leaves it. 30/2
6.6 Tim Southee to B Azam, Full on off, driven to mid off. 30/2
6.6 Tim Southee to B Azam, Bowls it way outside off, the umpire signals a wide. 30/2
6.5 Tim Southee to B Azam, Fullish ball on middle, eased to mid on. 29/2
6.4 Tim Southee to H Sohail, Fuller in length outside off, driven through covers. Santner gives it a chase and saves a run for his side. 29/2
6.3 Tim Southee to B Azam, Shorter outside off, cut down to third man for a run. 26/2
6.2 Tim Southee to B Azam, Works it with the angle to mid-wicket. 25/2
6.1 Tim Southee to B Azam, Length outside off, Azam lets it be. 25/2
5.6 M Henry to B Azam, The batsman guides it to third man. They pick up a single. 25/2
5.5 M Henry to B Azam, Fuller in length on middle, driven towards mid on. 24/2
5.4 M Henry to B Azam, Good length on off, defended solidly. 24/2
5.3 M Henry to B Azam, FOUR! Exquisite! This guy is some talent. Not a bad delivery by Henry. He bowls it on a length around middle, Azam uses his wrists and works it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 24/2
5.2 M Henry to H Sohail, Length ball outside off, guided down to third man to get off the mark. 20/2
Haris Sohail strides out.
5.1 M Henry to F Zaman, OUT! SOFT DISMISSAL! The catch has been taken this time. Henry lands it on a length around off. Zaman moves his front leg out of the way and tries to hit it on the up over mid off. He does not time it and it lobs to Kane Williamson who takes an easy catch. Henry gets his second and he is breathing fire. Zaman could not make a lot of the reprieve he got. Replays show that, the way Zaman was positioning himself, he looked like he was expecting a shorter one and hence could not adjust to the fuller ball. Maybe the blow on his head was playing on his mind. Now Pakistan are in big trouble. They need another 253 in 269. 19/2
We are back for the chase. 272 is what Pakistan need. Fakhar Zaman and Umar Amin will open the batting for them. They will look to give Pakistan a good start. Tim Southee will open the bowling for New Zealand. He has two slips in place.
4.6 Tim Southee to B Azam, Length ball on off, defends it solidly. 19/1
4.5 Tim Southee to B Azam, Back of a length on off, Azam guides it to point. 19/1
4.4 Tim Southee to B Azam, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. 19/1
4.3 Tim Southee to B Azam, FOUR! Southee has not got it right today! He errs in line and bowls it on the pads. Azam loves it there as he flicks it through square leg for a boundary. 19/1
4.2 Tim Southee to B Azam, Back of a length on off, Azam defends it. 15/1
4.1 Tim Southee to B Azam, Wide enough for the batsman to not play at it. 15/1
3.6 M Henry to B Azam, The batsman failed to make contact and was hit low on the pads. One run added to the total. Leg byes given by the umpire. 15/1
3.5 M Henry to B Azam, Again! Henry beats the outside edge two balls in a row. He bowls it around off, shapes away. Azam tries to defend but is beaten again. 14/1
3.4 M Henry to B Azam, BEATEN! Brilliant bowling! Henry is playing an international game after boxing day and he is right on money. He lands it on a length around off, it angles in and then straightens. Azam tries to defend but is beaten. 14/1
3.3 M Henry to B Azam, On a length around off, defended. 14/1
Babar Azam walks out to the middle.
3.2 M Henry to U Amin, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Henry draws first blood! He had Zaman dropped in his first over but this time he gets his partner. He bowls a full ball outside off, inviting the batsman to drive. Amin does so, he goes after it with his feet rooted in the crease. It takes the edge and goes low to Taylor who seems to have taken it. The umpire goes upstairs to check whether it has carried and replays show it clearly has. Amin has been given his marching orders. Pakistan have lost one early, not the start they would have wanted. 14/1
3.1 M Henry to U Amin, Fuller on leg stump, swinging in. Amin tries to flick but tries to get an inside edge onto his pads. There is a muted appeal but the umpire shakes his head. 14/0
2.6 Tim Southee to F Zaman, Fuller in length on middle, driven to mid on. 11 runs from the over. 14/0
2.5 Tim Southee to F Zaman, FOUR! Pulled with disdain! Southee may not be bowling as quick as Henry and hence Zaman is feeling comfortable pulling him. Southee once again bowls it short on middle, Zaman pulls it away, through mid-wicket for another boundary. Second of the over and this is turning out to be an expensive one. 14/0
2.4 Tim Southee to U Amin, Another short ball on middle, Amin tucks it around the corner for a run. 10/0
2.3 Tim Southee to F Zaman, On the pads, worked on the leg side for a run. 9/0
2.2 Tim Southee to F Zaman, FOUR! Zaman will continue playing his shots! Southee bowls it short this time. Zaman gets into position and pulls it over square leg for a boundary. 8/0
2.1 Tim Southee to U Amin, Back of a length on off, Amin taps it towards cover for a run. 4/0
1.6 M Henry to F Zaman, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 3/0
1.5 M Henry to F Zaman, DROPPED! Munro drops a relatively easy catch. How costly will that prove to be? It cost India the Champions Trophy when they gave Zaman a chance. Henry again bowls it short, it skids off the surface and also gets big on the batsman. Zaman tries to pull but mistimes it towards Munro who is standing in front of square. He runs to his right, stretches his hands out but fails to cling on. The batsmen take two and Zaman will now look to make most of this life. 3/0
1.4 M Henry to F Zaman, WOAH! Straight on the badge! That was quick from Henry. He bowls a bouncer, a well-directed one. Before Zaman could react the ball hits him on his helmet. The New Zealand players go up to him to ask him whether he is fine. Good gesture from the Kiwis. 1/0
1.3 M Henry to F Zaman, Back of a length on off, cut to point. 1/0
1.2 M Henry to F Zaman, On a length around off, pushed to covers. 1/0
1.1 M Henry to F Zaman, Swing! A fuller length ball on middle, it swings into the batsman. Zaman misses the flick to get hit on the pads. 1/0
Matt Henry will bowl with the second new ball.
0.6 Tim Southee to F Zaman, Enough, says Zaman! He steps down the track and tries to flick the ball on leg stump. The ball goes off the inner half and down to fine leg for a run. Just a single of the first over. 1/0
0.5 Tim Southee to F Zaman, Another fuller length ball on off, Zaman drives it to mid off. 0/0
0.4 Tim Southee to F Zaman, Shortens his length outside off, Zaman watches it through to the keeper. 0/0
0.3 Tim Southee to F Zaman, Another fullish ball outside off, trying to get it to shape back in. There is no swing though and Zaman square drives it to point. 0/0
0.2 Tim Southee to F Zaman, Fuller in length outside off, Zaman drives it to covers. 0/0
Zaman is not happy with something behind the bowler's arm. Don't know what the problem exactly is but it has now been solved and we are ready to go.
0.1 Tim Southee to F Zaman, Starts off with a full ball on middle, swings back in a touch. Zaman drives it to mid on. 0/0