MOHALI: In the end, the 181-run challenge thrown by the New Zealanders proved insurmountable for Pakistan, who ended their run-chase in a whimper at 158/5.
Sharjeel Khan hacked way at the bowling with a fury that raised hopes of an upset, but losing regular wickets at critical moments just did not allow Shahid Afridi’s boys to sink their teeth into the game and force the Blacks Caps to tap out.
When Sharjeel fell (47 from 25 balls) with the score at 65 in the last over of the Powerplay with the run rate more than 12 an over, it seemed a win was par for course.
Khalid Latif departed after three runs, but Ahmed Sehzad looked to carry on from where Sharjeel left off. But his departure and that off Afridi in the 15th over left them to score 57 in 5 overs.
With Umar Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik’s wickets still intact, and at a little over 10 runs an over, Pakistani fans in the crowd dared to hope.
But the trio failed to score a boundary in the last 31 balls which meant Pakistan’s chase ended without any fireworks.
Earlier, Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson turned on the heat for Pakistan on a cool breezy evening to tot up a quick-fire 55 at the end of the Powerplay.
That set the tone for New Zealand’s batting at Mohali on Tuesday evening and when they closed their innings, they had set a tough target of 181 for Pakistan.
After winning toss for a third time in a row, New Zealand opted to bat on a pitch that looked firm and the opening duo of Guptill-Williamson shared an opening stand of 62. Guptill contributed 38 with four 4s and three 6s.
There was another 50-run partnership – between Guptill and Corey Anderson, who had scored 17 till then.
After the Eden Gardens, it was the turn of PCA Stadium at Mohali to root for Shahid Afridi’s team.
And though the cheering was not as loud as it was when they were playing Bangladesh in Kolkata, it was enough to show which way the sentiments lay.
The all-too familiar cry of Pakistan jeetega often rent the night sky, and the first delivery of the game, an inswinger from Mohammed Amir, sent the excitement soaring.
The five dots in that first over held much promise on a slightly green top.
As it turned out, any hopes the over may have raised for the pacers petered off soon with Amir and Mohammad Irfan giving away 26 runs in next two overs.
Captain Shahid Afridi was again expensive, giving away 40 runs from his allotted four overs though to his credit, he picked up the wickets of Colin Munro and and Anderson.
Mohammed Sami returned the best figures of 2 for 23, including the prize scalp of Martin Guptill (80 off 48 balls).
New Zealand again sat out Trent Boult and Tim Southee despite the fair bit of green on the pitch. They haven’t played a single game yet.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Hafeez sat out following a bone contusion in his femur, while fast bowler Wahab Riaz was down with a neck injury at practice.
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New Zealand beat Pakistan by 22 runs
PAK 158/5 (Over 20)
S Ahmed, 11 (8) | S Malik, 15 (13)
19.6: Milne to Sarfraz, 1 run. No boundary hit in the last five overs by Pakistan which is both surprising and ironic. They had wickets at hand. Whatever the reasons were, New Zealand win!
19.5: Milne to Malik, 1 run
It has been 28 balls since the last boundary hit by Pakistan.
19.4: Milne to Malik, 2 runs
19.3: Milne to Malik, no run
19.2: Milne to Sarfraz, 1 run
19.1: Milne to Sarfraz, 2 runs
Milne comes in to bowl the final over.
PAK 151/5 (Over 19)
S Ahmed, 7 (5) | S Malik, 12 (10)
18.6: McClenaghan to Sarfraz, 1 run
18.5: McClenaghan to Sarfraz, 2 runs
18.4: McClenaghan to Sarfraz, 2 runs
18.3: McClenaghan to Malik, 1 run
18.2: McClenaghan to Malik, 2 runs
18.1: McClenaghan to Sarfraz, 1 run
McClenaghan into the attack.
PAK 142/5 (Over 18)
S Ahmed, 1 (1) | S Malik, 9 (8)
17.6: Milne to Sarfraz, 1 run
17.5: Milne to Malik, 1 run
Sarfraz Ahmed in.
17.4: Milne to Akmal, OUT! Tries to go over the top but couldn’t hit it properly. Guptill takes a clean catch. He departs on 24 off 26 balls.
17.3: Milne to Akmal, no run
17.2: Milne to Akmal, 2 runs
17.1: Milne to Malik, 1 run
Milne into attack.
Pakistan require 44 more runs to win in 3 overs
PAK 137/4 (Over 17)
U Akmal, 22 (23) | S Malik, 7 (6)
16.6: McClenaghan to Akmal, 2 runs
16.5: McClenaghan to Malik, 1 run
16.4: McClenaghan to Malik, 2 runs
16.3: McClenaghan to Malik, no run
16.2: McClenaghan to Akmal, 1 run
16.1: McClenaghan to Akmal, 2 runs
McClenaghan into the attack.
PAK 129/4 (Over 16)
U Akmal, 17 (20) | S Malik, 4 (3)
15.6: Sodhi to Akmal, 1 run
15.5: Sodhi to Malik, 1 run
15.4: Sodhi to Akmal, 1 run
15.3: Sodhi to Malik, 1 run
15.2: Sodhi to Malik, 2 runs
Pakistan require 58 runs with 29 balls remaining. Shoaib Malik is the new man in.
15.1: Sodhi to Afridi, OUT! He falls. Pakistan in trouble.
Sodhi returns.
PAK 123/3 (Over 15)
S Afridi, 19 (8) | U Akmal, 15 (18)
14.6: McClenaghan to Afridi, 1 run
14.5: McClenaghan to Afridi, FOUR! Low full toss wide outside off stump and the Pakistan captain finds gap on the off side.
14.4: McClenaghan to Akmal, 1 run
14.3: McClenaghan to Akmal, no run
14.2: McClenaghan to Akmal, 2 runs
14.1: McClenaghan to Akmal, no run
McClenaghan into the attack.
PAK 115/3 (Over 14)
U Akmal, 12 (14) | S Afridi, 14 (6)
13.6 Sodhi to Akmal, 1 Run
13.5: Sodhi to Afridi, 1 Run
13.4: Sodhi to Akmal, 1 Run
13.3 Sodhi to Afridi, 1 Run
13.2 Sodhi to Afridi, SIX! Deposits the ball into the stand at mid-wicket.
13.1 Sodhi to Afridi, 1 Run
Sodhi continues.
PAK 104/3 (Over 13)
U Akmal, 15 (14) | S Afridi, 0 (0)
12.6: Santner to Afridi, 2 Runs
12.6: Santer to Afridi, WIDE
12.5: Santner to Afridi, FOUR! Dances down the wicket and goes over cover fielder, in the circle.
12.4: Santner to Afridi, No Run
12.3: Santner to Akmal, 1 Run
Pakistan Skipper walks in
12.2: Santner to Shehzad, OUT! Goes for the Helicopter shot and fails, yet again.
12.1: Santner to Shehzad, No Run
Santner comes to bowl his last over.
PAK 95/2 (Over 12)
U Akmal, 7 (10) | A Shehzad, 30 (30)
11.6: Sodhi to Akmal, No Run
11.5: Sodhi to Shehzad, 1 Run
11.4: Sodhi to Akmal, 1 Run
11.3: Sodhi to Shehzad, 1 Run
11.2: Sodhi to Akmal, 1 Run
11.1: Sodhi to Shehzad, 1 Run
Sodhi continues
PAK 91/2 (Over 11)
A Shehzad, 27 (27) | U Akmal, 6 (7)
10.6 Santner to Akmal, No Run
10.5 Santner to Shehzad, 1 Run
10.4 Santner to Shehzad, No Run
10.3 Santner to Shehzad, No Run
10.2 Santner to Akmal, 1 Run
10.1: Santner to Akmal, No Run
Santner continues
PAK 89/2 (Over 10)
A Shehzad, 26 (24) | U Akmal, 5 (4)
9.6: Elliot to Akmal, 1 Run
9.5: Elliot to Akmal, 2 Run
9.4: Elliot to Shehzad, 1 Run
9.3: Elliot to Akmal, 1 Run
9.2: Elliot to Shehzad, 1 Run
9.1: Elliot to Shehzad, No Run
Elliot Continues
PAK 83/2 (Over 9)
A Shehzad, 24 (21) | U Akmal, 1 (1)
8.6 Santner to Shehzad, 1 Run
8.5: Santner to Akmal, 1 Run
8.4: Santner to Shehzad, 1 Run
8.4: Santner to Shehzad, WIDE
8.3 Santner to Shehzad, No Run
Umar Akmal walks in.
8.2: Santner to Latif, OUT! Charges down the wicket to clear the straight boundary, but edges it in long-on’s hands.
8.1: Santner to Latif, No Run
Santner continues.
PAK 79/1 (Over 8)
A Shehzad, 22 (18) | K Latif, 3 (5)
7.6: Sodhi to Shehzad, no run
7.5: Sodhi to Shehzad, no run
7.4: Sodhi to Shehzad, no run
7.3: Sodhi to Shehzad, 2 runs
7.2: Sodhi to Latif, 1 run
7.1: Sodhi to Latif, no run
Ish Sodhi into the attack.
PAK 76/1 (Over 7)
K Latif, 2 (3) | A Shehzad, 20 (14)
6.6: Elliott to Latif, 1 run
6.5: Elliott to Shehzad, 1 run
6.4: Elliott to Latif, 1 run
6.3: Elliott to Shehzad, 1 run
6.2: Elliott to Shehzad, 2 runs
6.1: Elliott to Shehzad, FOUR! Cuts it in between the short third man and the backward point fielder.
Grant Elliott into the attack.
PAK 66/1 (Over 6)
K Latif, 0 (1) | A Shehzad, 12 (10)
5.6: Milne to Latif, no run
5.5: Milne to Shehzad, 1 run
5.4: Milne to Shehzad, no run
Khalid Latif is the new man in.
5.3: Milne to Sharjeel, OUT! He falls on 47 off 25 balls. He went to drive a ball that was there to be cut; edged it straight up in the air. Martin Guptill took an easy catch.
5.2: Milne to Sharjeel, FOUR! Smashes it into the gap again! That sound off his bat!
5.1: Milne to Sharjeel, no run
Milne continues.
PAK 61/0 (Over 5)
A Shehzad, 11 (8) | S Khan, 43 (22)
4.6: Anderson to Shehzad, FOUR! Edges it past the empty slip cordon.
4.5: Anderson to Sharjeel, 1 run
4.4: Anderson to Sharjeel, FOUR! Leg-byes. Doesn’t matter for Pakistan, says Wasim Akram. “They will take whatever comes their way.”
4.3: Anderson to Sharjeel, no run
4.2: Anderson to Shehzad, 1 run
4.1: Anderson to Shehzad, no run
Anderson comes in to bowl.
PAK 51/0 (Over 4)
S Khan, 42 (19) | A Shehzad, 6 (5)
3.6: McClenaghan to Sharjeel, SIX! Plays it on full. Lofts it over mid-wicket!
3.5: McClenaghan to Sharjeel, no run
3.4: McClenaghan to Sharjeel, FOUR! Turning it on, striking them on will. No respect for the Kiwis’ best bowler. Smacks it over the head of short fine leg.
3.3: McClenaghan to Sharjeel, FOUR! He continues to toy with the field. This time over mid-wicket!
3.2: McClenaghan to Sharjeel, FOUR! Whacks it towards square leg!
3.1: McClenaghan to Sharjeel, no run
McClenaghan into the attack.
PAK 33/0 (Over 3)
A Shehzad, 6 (5) | S Khan, 24 (13)
2.6: Milne to Shehzad, no run
2.5: Milne to Sharjeel, 1 run
2.4: Milne to Sharjeel, no run
2.3: Milne to Sharjeel, no run
2.2: Milne to Sharjeel, FOUR! Smacks it towards cow corner!
2.1: Milne to Sharjeel, FOUR! Smashes it towards square leg.
Adam Milne into the attack.
Anderson fails to find rhythm and the Pakistani batsmen are looking to make the most of it.
1.6: Anderson to Sharjeel, 1 Run
1.5: Anderson to Sharjeel, No Run
1.4: Anderson to Shehzad, Leg-bye - 1 Run
1.4: Anderson to Shehzad, WIDE
1.3: Anderson to Shehzad, 2 Runs
1.2: Anderson to Shehzad, No Run
1.1: Anderson to Shehzad, FOUR!** Glides the first bowl for four on the fine-leg boundary.
Anderson comes into the attack.
PAK 15/0 (Over 1)
S Khan, 14 (6) | A Shehzad, 0 (0)
0.6 Santner to Sharjeel, FOUR! Caresses the ball down the ground this time.
0.5 Santner to Sharjeel, FOUR! Sharjeel sits on his right knee and targets the mid-wicket boundary. Takes the Ariel route.
0.5: Santner to Sharjeel. WIDE
0.4: No Run
0.3: Santner to Sharjeel, 2 Runs.
0.2: Santner to Sharjeel, No Run.
0.1: Santner to Sharjeel, FOUR! Smacks the full-toss to the long-off boundary.
Sharjeel Khan and Ahmed Shehzad walk in to start the proceedings for Pakistan. Williamson gives the ball to Santner.
So Pakistan will have to better their highest successful chase of 176 if they are to do this. 181 will seem like a mountainous task considering how they have fared with the bat in recent times but the pitch is not as venomous as their last outing.
New Zealand’s innings has provided Pakistan with plenty of examples on how to rack up a big total. The key and a very simple strategy that Williamson’s side employed: rotate strike and smash it big whenever the bowler makes a mistake.
Guptill though was sensational. His 80 off 48 balls was controlled hitting and his 10 fours and 3 sixes were all proper shots.
Pakistan’s bowling, pretty ordinary. led by captain Shahid Afridi who was all over the place. Sami and Wasim were exceptional giving away just 23 and 26 from their four overs.
Pakistan need 181 runs to win in 20 overs
NZ 180/5 (Over 20)
R Taylor, 36 (23) | G Elliott, 1 (1)
19.6: Amir to Taylor, 2 runs
19.5: Amir to Taylor, FOUR! Guides it into the gap towards third man.
19.4: Amir to Taylor, 2 runs
19.3: Amir to Elliott, 1 run
Grant Elliott is the new man in.
19.2: Amir to Taylor, 1 run
19.1: Amir to Taylor, SIX! Magnificently done! Over long on’s head.
Amir comes in to bowl the final over.
NZ 164/5 (Over 19)
R Taylor, 21 (18)
18.6: Sami to Ronchi, OUT! Down the track, hits it hard, but finds Shoaib Malik at point. Ronchi departs on 11 off seven balls.
18.5: Sami to Taylor, 1 run
18.4: Sami to Taylor, no run
18.3: Sami to Taylor, 2 runs
18.2: Sami to Taylor, no run
18.1: Sami to Ronchi, 1 run
Sami comes in to bowl his last over.
NZ 160/4 (Over 18)
R Taylor, 18 (14) | L Ronchi, 10 (5)
17.6: Irfan to Taylor, 2 runs
17.5: Irfan to Ronchi, 1 run
17.4: Irfan to Ronchi, SIX! Walks down the track and lofts it over long off.
17.3: Irfan to Taylor, 3 runs
17.2: Irfan to Ronchi, 1 run
17.1: Irfan to Taylor, 1 run
Irfan into the attack.
NZ 146/4 (Over 17)
R Taylor, 12 (11) | L Ronchi, 2 (2)
16.6: Amir to Taylor, 1 run
16.5: Amir to Ronchi, 1 run
16.4: Amir to Taylor, 1 run
16.3: Amir to Taylor, 2 runs
16.2: Amir to Taylor, 2 runs
16.1: Amir to Taylor, FOUR! Sweeps it towards fine leg. Magnificent shot!
Amir returns.
NZ 135/4 (Over 16)
R Taylor, 2 (6) | L Ronchi, 1 (1)
15.6: Afridi to Taylor, 1 run
15.5: Afridi to Ronchi, 1 run
15.4: Afridi to Taylor, 1 run
15.3: Afridi to Taylor, no run
Luke Ronchi is the new man in.
15.2: Afridi to Anderson, OUT! In his attempt to go over long off, he finds Shoaib Malik guarding the boundary. Afridi becomes the highest wicket-taker in World T20.
15.1: Afridi to Anderson, FOUR! He takes on the Pakistan captain.
15.1: Afridi to Anderson, (wide)
Afridi comes in to bowl.
NZ 127/3 (Over 15)
R Taylor, 0 (3) | C Anderson, 17 (12)
14.6: Sami to Taylor, no run
14.5: Sami to Taylor, no run
14.4: Sami to Taylor, no run
Ross Taylor is the new batsman in.
14.3: Sami to Guptill, OUT! The batsman edges it straight into his stumps. Guptill departs on 80 off 48 deliveries.
14.2: Sami to Guptill, no run
14.1: Sami to Guptill, FOUR! Punches it away through extra covers.
Sami into the attack.
So it’s already looking like Pakistan will be chasing a big one here.
Who are the bowlers they will have to contend with?
Fast bowlers Milne and McClenaghan
Spinners Sodhi and Santner
And all-rounders Anderson and Elliott
One feels the pressure will come from McClenaghan and Santner while New Zealand will be counting on Milne and Sodhi to pick up wickets with the x-factor that they bring to the game
NZ 123/2 (Over 14)
M Guptill, 76 (45) | C Anderson, 17 (12)
13.6: Afridi to Guptill, 1 run
13.5: Afridi to Guptill, 2 runs
13.4: Afridi to Guptill, FOUR! He goes back in his crease and cuts it into the gap on the off side.
13.3: Afridi to Guptill no run
13.2: Afridi to Guptill, 2 runs
13.1: Afridi to Guptill, FOUR! Sweeps it on the leg side and into the gap. Towards deep backward square leg.
Afridi returns.
NZ 110/2 (Over 13)
C Anderson, 17 (12) | M Guptill, 63 (39)
12.6: Irfan to Anderson, FOUR! Muscles it away straight to long off.
12.5: Irfan to Anderson, no run
12.4: Irfan to Guptill, 1 run
12.3: Irfan to Anderson, 1 run
12.2: Irfan to Anderson, FOUR! Inside edge and the ball races away towards the fine leg fence.
12.1: Irfan to Anderson, no run
Iran returns.
NZ 100/2 (Over 12)
C Anderson, 8 (7) | M Guptill, 62 (38)
11.6: Imad to Anderson, 1 run. Bring up 100 runs for NZ.
11.5: Imad to Anderson, no run
11.4: Imad to Anderson, 2 runs
11.3: Imad to Guptill, 1 run
11.2: Imad to Anderson, 1 run
11.1: Imad to Anderson, 2 runs
Imad continues.
NZ 93/2 (Over 11)
M Guptill, 61 (37) | C Anderson, 2 (2)
10.6: Afridi to Guptill, 2 runs
10.5: Afridi to Guptill, FOUR! Sweeps it again, this time towards deep mid-wicket.
10.4: Afridi to Guptill, no run
10.3: Afridi to Guptill, FOUR! Sweeps it into the gap towards square leg.
10.2: Afridi to Guptill, 2 runs. Brings up half-century for the batsman.
10.1: Afridi to Guptill, no run
Afridi continues.
NZ 81/2 (Over 10)
M Guptill, 49 (31) | C Anderson, 2 (2)
9.6: Imad to Guptill, 1 run
9.5: Imad to Anderson, 1 run
9.4: Imad to Guptill, 1 run
9.3: Imad to Guptill, no run
9.2: Imad to Anderson, 1 run
9.1: Imad to Guptill, 1 run
Imad continues.
NZ 76/2 (Over 9)
M Guptill, 46 (27) | C Anderson, 0 (0)
8.6: Afridi to Guptill, 1 run
Corey Anderson is the new batsman in.
8.5: Afridi to Munro, OUT! Afridi gets his man! Munro reverse sweeps it straight into the hands of Sahrjeel Khan.
8.4: Afridi to Guptill, 1 run
8.3: Afridi to Munro, 1 run
8.2: Afridi to Munro, FOUR! Outside edge, no first slip, and the the ball races away towards third man.
8.1: Afridi to Munro, no run
Shahid Afridi is into the attack.
NZ 69/1 (Over 8)
C Munro, 2 (2) | M Guptill, 44 (25)
7.6: Irfan to Munro, 1 run
7.5: Irfan to Guptill, 1 run
7.4: Irfan to Guptill, FOUR! Unfortunate for the bowler. Outside edge and the ball races away towards the third man fence.
7.3: Irfan to Munro, 1 run
Colin Munro is the new man in.
7.2: Irfan to Williamson, OUT! Soft dismissal. In his attempt to drive the slower ball through covers, the NZ skipper finds Shahid Afridi in between taking a clean catch.
7.1: Irfan to Williamson, 2 runs
Irfan returns.
NZ 60/0 (Over 7)
K Williamson, 15 (19) | M Guptill, 39 (23)
6.6: Imad to Williamson, 1 run
6.5: Imad to Williamson, no run
6.4: Imad to Williamson, 2 runs
6.3: Imad to Williamson, no run
6.2: Imad to Guptill, 1 run
6.1: Imad to Williamson, 1 run
Imad continues.
NZ 55/0 (Over 6)
M Guptill, 38 (22) | K Williamson, 11 (14)
5.6: Sami to Guptill, no run
5.5: Sami to Guptill, FOUR! Towards mid-wicket and into the gap.
5.4: Sami to Guptill, SIX! Smashes it over long on again! That’s his region! Brings up 50 runs for New Zealand.
5.3: Sami to Guptill, no run
5.2: Sami to Williamson, 1 run
5.1: Sami to Williamson, no run
Sami continues.
NZ 44/0 (Over 5)
M Guptill, 28 (18) | K Williamson, 10 (12)
4.6: Imad to Guptill, SIX! Smacks it over long on!
4.5: Imad to Williamson, 1 run
4.4: Imad to Williamson, no run
4.3: Imad to Guptill, 1 run
4.2: Imad to Williamson, 1 run
4.1: Imad to Williamson, no run
Imad Wasim into the attack.
NZ 35/0 (Over 4)
M Guptill, 21 (16) | K Williamson, 8 (8)
3.6: Sami to Guptill, no run
3.5: Sami to Williamson, 1 run
3.4: Sami to Williamson, FOUR! Leggish, flicks it away towards the fine leg fence. Looks like he didn’t even try, just had to guide it.
3.3: Sami to Guptill, 1 run
3.3: Sami to Guptill, (wide)
3.2: Sami to Williamson, 1 run
3.1: Sami to Williamson, no run
Mohammad Sami comes in to bowl.
Irfan’s pace in that over: 132.8 km/h, 133.0 km/h, 127.9 km/h, 131.6 km/h, 134.1 km/h, 134.1 km/h
The tall pacer has clearly lacked rhythm throughout this tournament and it’s been evident in the way he’s run in. Pakistan cannot afford to let the New Zealanders settle in here. Perhaps time for Imad Wasim?
NZ 27/0 (Over 3)
M Guptill, 20 (14) | K Williamson, 6 (4)
2.6: Amir to Guptill, no run
2.5: Amir to Guptill, FOUR! Unfortunate for the bowler, outside edge, and the ball races away towards the third man fence.
2.4: Amir to Guptill, FOUR! Goes back, makes room, and finds the gap on the off side.
2.4: Amir to Guptill, (wide)
2.3: Amir to Guptill, no run
2.2: Amir to Guptill, no run
2.1: Amir to Guptill, FOUR! Goes for it again, this time on the leg side, and handsomely done!
Amir continues.
NZ 14/0 (Over 2)
K Williamson, 6 (4) | M Guptill, 8 (8)
1.6: Irfan to Williamson, no run
1.5: Irfan to Williamson, FOUR! Magnificent! Into the gap on the off side.
1.4: Irfan to Williamson, 2 runs
1.3: Irfan to Guptill, 1 run
1.2: Irfan to Guptill, SIX! Lofts it straight down the ground. A big one!
1.1: Irfan to Guptill, no run
Mohammad Irfan comes into attack.
Pakistan will be hoping this Guptill doesn’t show up today
The big Kiwi batsman so far has scores of 6 and 39 in the World T20 so far
NZ 1/0 (Over 1)
K Williamson, 0 (1) | M Guptill, 1 (5)
0.6: Amir to Williamson, no run
0.5: Amir to Guptill, 1 run
0.4: Amir to Guptill, no run
0.3: Amir to Guptill, no run
0.2: Amir to Guptill, no run
0.1: Amir to Guptill, no run
Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson walk out to open innings for the Kiwis. For Pakistan, Mohammad Amir takes the new ball.
Playing XI
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson (captain), Colin Munro, Corey Anderson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Luke Ronchi (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Santner and Adam Milne.
Pakistan: Ahmed Shehzad, Sharjeel Khan, Khalid Latif, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi (captain), Imad Wasim, Sarfraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Sami and Mohammad Irfan.
Pitch report
Lots of grass on the wicket. Looks like pacers are in for a treat. Ramiz Raja says 140 is par score, and anything above 150 would be a decent total to defend.
Excitement in Mohali
A bunch of youngsters gathered at the Mohali Bus Stop, seeking directions for the stadium, at 3pm local time — four hours before the match was scheduled to begin.
India isn’t playing, isn’t a Pakistan-NZ boring? Not this excited bunch. Explains one of them, a youngster by the name of Gajinder: “Suppose Pakistan wins? No one knows what will happen then.”
Security galore
Local reports say about 40 highly-trained commandos along with SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics ) squads have been placed at strategic spots around Mohali stadium.
A Quick Reaction Team, a specialised state police team, will be accompanying the Pakistani cricket team.
Plus, two senior police officials of the rank of the Superintendent of Police would supervise all security arrangements for the Pakistani team.
— Reports Anik Basu, our special correspondent in Mohali.
Wahab, Hafeez doubtful for crucial New Zealand game
Pakistani fast bowler Wahab Riaz and batsman Mohammad Hafeez are doubtful starters in the key World T20 match against the unbeaten New Zealand.
Left-armer Riaz was hit by a ball on the head during a training session on Monday while Hafeez has pain in the right knee.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said in a medical bulletin that Riaz was hospitalised and later given the all-clear. It adds that his fitness will be assessed on Tuesday.
Hafeez had complained of knee pain for the last two days and the PCB says “it is likely that he would not be able to take part in the match against the Black Caps”.
Pakistan has two points from two matches in Group 2 after it beat Bangladesh before losing to rival India. — Agencies
