SHARJAH (Reuters) – Pakistan underlined their credentials as early Twenty20 World Cup favourites once they held their nerve to beat New Zealand by 5 wickets in Sharjah on Tuesday and safe a second straight victory within the event.
Chasing a modest 135 for victory after tempo bowler Haris Rauf choked out New Zealand with 4 wickets, Pakistan had been in hassle at 69-4 however crossed the road in 18.4 overs for a effective begin of their bid for a second championship.
Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 33 whereas Shoaib Malik (26 not out) and Asif Ali (27 not out) guided them house.
The Group II contest was performed towards the backdrop of unhealthy blood between the edges after New Zealand abruptly deserted a limited-overs tour of Pakistan final month citing a safety alert. England adopted go well with in a double blow.
However Pakistan, on a excessive after beating arch-rivals India of their Tremendous 12 stage opener, channelled any lingering anger as they restricted New Zealand to 134-8 as Rauf picked up 4-22 earlier than their batsmen sealed an exhilarating victory.
Skipper Babar Azam saved religion with the eleven that hammered India and his resolution to bowl after successful the toss paid off as they restricted New Zealand to 42-1 within the powerplay.
New Zealand struggled to launch the handbrake as Pakistan continued to use stress and Rauf took two wickets in three balls within the 18th over to make sure there have been no late fireworks.
Opener Daryl Mitchell (27), skipper Kane Williamson (25) and Devon Conway (27) all received good begins for New Zealand however had been unable to construct on them.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Enhancing by Ken Ferris)
