New Zealand vs Pakistan: Talking points

Yet again, New Zealand put on a clinical display to edge past Pakistan by 22 runs. Suddenly, they look invincible. Pakistan on the other hand, who started promisingly in the tournament, are now looking hapless and seem to have lost the momentum gained in their first game.

A lot happened in today’s decisive game. Let’s take a look at few talking points from the game.

1. Points Table

New Zealand are virtually through to the semis courtesy their supreme performances in all the three games. On the other hand, three teams-India Pakistan and Australia  are fighting for the number 2 spot. Pakistan have still got a chance due to India’s poor net run rate but they would have to beat Australia and hope that India lose against either Bangladesh or Australia. India would be looking to take advantage of a bruised Bangladesh outfit and try to muster another win.

2. Consistent Guptill

Guptill showed again today why he is tailor made for this format of this game as he played a monumental knock of 80 of just 48 with 10 fours and 3 sixes. He gave no respect to Pakistani bowlers smashing them all around the park. His two crucial knocks have been the difference between the 2 teams on the given day.

3. Intelligent bowling

It’s easy to bowl well on pitches where your bowlers are getting assistance from the pitch in the form of turn or swing but the real challenge is bowling well on flat decks which are absolutely unforgiving for a bowler. One simply does not bowl last 5-6 overs without conceding a boundary in a pressure cooker situation and that too after being under some pressure initially, unless it’s New Zealand. And they have been beautifully assisted by their fielders  as well.

4.Batting woes

Pakistan have not been known traditionally for their batting and they have been known to slip up in their advantages while batting. It was the same scenario yet again today as Pakistan had a splendid start racing up to 66 for 1 in 6 overs. The protagonist of such a marvellous start was Sharjeel who smacked 47 runs of 25 balls. However, his efforts were nullified by Shehzad who scored 30 but took 32 balls to do the same. Also, Umar Akmal wasted balls and at the end Pakistan, who looked on course, were overwhelmed by the chase.

5.Conclusion

In the end, one can say that it was an evenly poised contest with New Zealand holding their nerve towards the final overs and comprehensively securing the win. Santner and Sodhi bowled well on a surface which didn’t have much assistance for spinners.