New Zealand v Pakistan World T20 - 5 Talking Points

New Zealand made it three wins in a row after they beat Pakistan by 22 runs at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. New Zealand piled on a formidable 180/5 in 20 overs after batting first after winning the toss. Martin Guptill was in a killer mood and whacked 80 run from just 48 balls. Pakistan, in reply were off to stunning start as Sharjeel Khan totally decimated the Kiwis bowler. However, Pakistan lost its way after the fall of his wicket and eventually could make only 158/5. Losing the match by 22 runs after being at a commanding position at one stage.

1. Martin Guptill tears apart Pakistan:

Martin Guptill was yet again in his vicious avatar when he came out to open the New Zealand innings today. The right-hander, who is in blazing form in the shortest format, clobbered the Pakistan bowling attack led by Mohammad Amir without much hassle. Guptill was kept quiet in the first over by Amir. But, the rest of the innings belonged to Guptill till he lost his wicket. He first shared a 62 runs opening wicket stand with Kane Williamson where he scored the bulk of the runs. Guptill continued in the same fashion till the 15th over where he got out after making 80 runs from just 48 balls. His knock was studded with 10 fours and 3 sixes.

2. The cameos from Ross Taylor and Luke Ronchi:

The platform was set for the power hitters after Guptill departed in the 15th over. As expected Ross Taylor and Luke Ronchi took full advantage and smashed valuable runs in the death overs of the first innings. Both shared a quick 32 runs stand and propelled the Kiwis side to 180/5 after 20 overs. Together the duo struck 2 fours and T20 sixes while in the middle. Taylor smacked 36 runs off just 23 balls while Ronchi made 11 from 7 balls.

3. Sharjeel Khan retaliates:  

Pakistan had a tough task of chasing a formidable 181. And, realizing the importance of a good start, Opener Sharjeel Khan got into the act right from the first over where he smashed 15 runs against left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner. He carried on in the same manner and boundaries began to rain. The run rate was soaring at around 12 runs per over when he was at the crease. His amazing striking effort saw Pakistan breaching the 50 run mark in just 4 overs which he brought in style with a six off McClenaghan’s bowling. However, his free-flowing batting ended an over later by Adam Milne after he was dismissed for 47 from 25 balls. His superb innings was laced with 4 boundaries and 1 six.

4. Mitchell Santner keeps it tight:

Mitchell Santner was yet again the man who made the difference. Santner was smacked for 15 runs in his opening over and was taken out of the attack. Pakistan had taken wonderfully and were roaring towards the target. However, Santner was brought back in the 9th overs and he did not take long to create an impact after he removed Khalid Latif just off his 2nd ball of the over. He then displayed great control and bowled miserly, giving away only 14 runs in his remaining 3 overs. His amazing second spell was the turning point for the Kiwis.

5. Pakistan falters:

Chasing 181 to win, Pakistan got off to a thunderous start, thanks to Sharjeel Khan. They were 66/1 after the powerplay. However, Mitchell Santner then bowled an amazing spell and slammed the brakes on the free flow of runs. But, the rest of the Pakistani batsmen could not capitalize on the wonderful start.  Khalid Latif was lackluster. Ahmed Shehzad got out after settling down. Shahid Afridi looked threatening but then threw his wicket where as Umar Akmal struggled and failed to get going.  And, by the time Shoaib Malik and Sarfraz Ahmed could take the matter in their hands the run rate the chase was as good as over.