NZ level series with 17-run win
Like the Test series that preceded the Twenty20 games, New Zealand forged a comeback to beat Pakistan by 17 runs in Dubai to square the two-match series 1-1
Like the Test series that preceded the Twenty20 games, New Zealand forged a comeback to beat Pakistan by 17 runs in Dubai to square the two-match series 1-1
Scorer: Gopi Rangarajan | Commentator: Alagappan Muthu
That's about all we have from here. Thanks for your company and your comments. Do be on the lookout for the report and keep the debate going. Ta ta for now from Alagappan Muthu
The two captains come forward to collect the trophy now. "It was sort of an improved performance in all areas. It was pleasing tonight, we had a review about performance last night and it was nice to improve," Kane Williamson says, "It's a combination of gut and planning. It's quite enjoyable captaining in T20 cricket, fortunate to have so much experience in the side to help out. Pakistan play really well with their depth and it was never over till the last over. So good effort from the boys. Nice for everyone to get a game in these conditions and the main thing was we improved. Looks like the tracks aren't free flowing and it's a bit of tough graft really and how you shape an innings is important"
Luke Ronchi is the Man of the Series "It's nice, got a bit of luck and swung hard for a few and got away with it. It was good to get us to a total that we were lucky enough to defend. Couldn't do that last night. Very much, for any team it's a massive thing to play against Pakistan spinners and hopefully we go in full steam and do well in the one-dayers"
Anton Devcich is the Man of the Match "Did a little bowling back home opening the innings. Managed to get a couple of wickets at the top. Spur of the moment captaincy, obviously two right-handers, good opportunity to get a couple of cheap overs. Getting there to timing the ball, just adjusting from home conditions"
"Played a lot of dot balls and increased the pressure, which was needless," Shahid Afridi says. "Was I out?(smiles, when asked about his dismissal) I wanted to take a chance as Sohail Tanvir was around. International cricket is all about pressure. The one who absorbs it goes to the next level. Happy with Gull getting back to fitness and performing well. Prepared for the ODI series"
11.10 pm It was a sluggish pitch, not the most conducive to stroke play. So a target of 145 wasn't the most straight forward one. New Zealand's bowlers banded together with their assortment of slower balls, cross seamers, and arm balls to win a pretty tense game. That early spell from Anton Devich was a bonus, then Daniel Vettori and Nathan McCullum's strangle pushed New Zealand ahead. But then came Shahid Afridi and started tipping the scales Pakistan's way. Jimmy Neesham bowled possibly his worst over of the match, but got rid of the Pakistan captain and all but sealed New Zealand's win in Dubai. Stay tuned for the presentation
Ashok Ramkumar: "Amazing display by the Kiwis, announcing their strong contentions for World Cup 2015 ! Devcich will have much more longer beard then..."
Mudassar Alamgi: "I think Vettori is lucky for his team. In third test and now in today's match he was included in team and NZ wins."
Danish 294: "Pakistan should blame this defeat on Misbah like they always do. His aura in the stadium was enough to cost Pakistan the game."
Sohail Tanvir c Devcich b Mills 11 (15m 6b 2x4 0x6) SR: 183.33
Raza Hasan is the last man in
Umar Gul c Taylor b Mills 0 (4m 2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00
Umar Gul walks in and gets advice from both Afridi and Anwar Ali. 24 from 12 now
Sarfraz Ahmed's unbeaten 76 helped Pakistan win the first T20I against New Zealand in Dubai, but the visitors leveled the two-match series a day later thanks to a three-wicket haul from James Neesham
With Corey Anderson sitting out the second T20, Jimmy Neesham said he had to assume greater responsibility, and that suited him fine
Plays of the day from the second T20 between Pakistan and New Zealand in Dubai
Like the Test series that preceded the Twenty20 games, New Zealand forged a comeback to beat Pakistan by 17 runs in Dubai to square the two-match series 1-1