Match report: Pakistan edge New Zealand

Source: cricinfo.com

• Pakistan 177/6 (Jamshed 56, Hafeez 43) defeated New Zealand 164/9 (Nicol 33, Ajmal 4/30)

Summary:

A solid performance from Pakistan's occasionally suspect top order laid the platform for a tight 13-run victory over a fast finishing New Zealand. Captain and opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez anchored the innings enabling others, including fifth gamer Nasir Jamshed, to play more aggressively. New Zealand opted to play it safe in early in the run chase, pushing heavy hitters Brendan McCullum, Jacob Oram and captain Ross Taylor down the order. The tactic nearly paid off too, if not for the crafty bowling of Saeed Ajmal and the run-out of Taylor to keep the Kiwi's from reaching the target of 178.

The game-within-a-game:

This match pitted the teams strengths against each other as well as their weaknesses. Pakistan won both of those contests, which led to them winning the match. Pakistan's slightly thin batting line-up was able to resist the efforts of a reasonably pedestrian Kiwi attack, while their bowlers were able to keep in check a potentially dangerous New Zealand batting order.

Who's hot:

Pakistan: Captain Mohammad Hafeez led from the front, backing his batsmen and then came on to bowl four economical overs. Spinner Ajmal held his nerve in the face of a Kiwi onslaught in the final overs.

New Zealand: Opener Rob Nicol looked fluent for his 33, while Ross Taylor was looking dangerous before a calamitous run-out. Spinner Daniel Vettori returned to form after a quiet opening match.

What it means:

Pakistan: Much less pressure on the final group game against Bangladesh. Pakistan can afford to lose by up to 36 runs and still qualify for the Super Eight stage.

New Zealand: The big opening win against Bangladesh ensured qualification for Super Eights, even if Bangladesh defeats Pakistan. The tactic of holding back until the final overs may need to be reviewed, it left too much for them to do in this match.

The Votes:

MVP: 3- N Jamshed (maiden T20 half-century in 5th game), 2- M Hafeez (43 with the bat and 0/15 off four overs), 1- S Ajmal (4 wickets halted NZ momentum)
Tucker Trophy: 1- R Taylor (Kiwi tactics may have caused the loss), 2- K Akmal (only three runs coming in at No.4), 3- N McCullum (5 runs with the bat, conceded 23 off two overs with the ball)