Pakistan 168-7 (Umar Akmal 56, Mitchell McClenaghan 2-23)
BLACKCAPS 171-0 (Martin Guptill 87*, Kane Williamson 72*)
Some Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill magic saw records shattered and the BLACKCAPS win the second ANZ Twenty20 against Pakistan in Hamilton by 10 wickets.
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A record for all countries at any wicket in Twenty20 Internationals, Williamson (72*) and Guptill (87*) put on an unbeaten 171 in the opening stand, the BLACKCAPS cruising to victory in 17.4 overs.
It sets up a series decider at Westpac Stadium on Friday – the finale of what’s been a highly entertaining ANZ International T20 Series.
Set 169 to win, it was captain Williamson who set the tone early on for the BLACKCAPS, racing to 34 off 20 balls as the home side brought up 50 after five overs.
While going at 10 an over, it was almost risk-free cricket from the BLACKCAPS' opening duo, who maintained complete control of the chase throughout.
Williamson was the first to bring up his half-century, reaching the milestone off 35 balls. Guptill raised his bat shortly after having faced 40 balls, and the BLACKCAPS were well on track.
The two of them put the cherry on top by seeing the job out, Williamson finishing with a career high 72 not out.
While the batting performance had been emphatic, the BLACKCAPS' bowling unit also put in an improved display from the opening match in Auckland.
The home side tried something new with the ball in the opening period, Mitchell Santner and Corey Anderson getting first crack at the Pakistan openers.
Anderson in particular was effective, limiting scoring opportunities and rewarded with the wicket of Ahmed Shehzad (9) in the fourth over.
While not picking up regular wickets, the BLACKCAPS bowlers were tight through the middle stages of the innings. It wasn’t until the 14th over that Pakistan surpassed the 100 mark, on a pitch which favoured the batsmen.
Shoaib Malik (39) and Akmal would lift the intensity of the visitor’s innings, though, the latter striking four sixes on his way to a half-century off 22 balls.
At 137-4 with three overs remaining and the dangerous Shahid Afridi at the crease, Pakistan looked odds on to get close to 180.
Superb bowling from Mitchell McClenaghan (2-23) and late wickets would stymie their momentum though, keeping them to 168-7.
As Williamson and Guptill would show, it was a score below par.
All to play for this Friday.
