Pallekelle:Pakistan started their T20 World Cup on a winning note as they beat New Zealand in a group D clash here today.

New Zealand chasing a target of 178, New Zealand started off steadily but then their inability to quick to score at a quick pace did them in and they lost by 14 runs.

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Match facts:

Score:

Pakistan 177 for 6 (Jamshed 56, Hafeez 43, Southee 2-31) beat New Zealand 164 for 9 (Nicol 33, Ajmal 4-30) by 13 runs

Toss: Pakistan won the toss, chose to bat

Pakistan:

Powerplay: 51 runs, 1 wicket (0-6 overs)

4’s: 15, 6’s: 7

New Zealand:

Powerplay: 47 runs, ) 0 wicket (0-6 overs)

4’s:17, 6’s: 4
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Pakistan electing to bat first got off to a good start with the Imran Nazir and skipper Mohammad Hafeez putting an opening partnership of 47 runs in six overs. Nazir however could not carry on and was the first casualty of the Pakistan innings. He played 16 balls for his 25 runs which included five boundaries.

The wicket brought Nasir Jamshed to the crease and the runs started to come at an even faster rate. The duo of Jamshed-Hafeez took the bowlers to the cleaners and scored at a brisk rate. Both the batsmen stitched a partnership of 76 for the second wicket. Hafeez scored 43 of 38 laced with two boundaries and as many sixes, whereas Jamshed belted 56 of 35 including two fours and four sixes.

New Zealand however stopped the onslaught with few quick wickets but then some late minute blitzkrieg by Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi took to them to an imposing total.

New Zealand did start positively and but then could not match up to the asking rate and eventually fell short of the target. 

Rob Nicol top-scored for the Black Cap with 32 including three boundaries and a six whereas centurion from the last match Brendon McCullum scored 32 and hit four boundaries and a six.

Saeed Ajmal was the wrecker in chief for Pakistan and returned with figures of 30-4 in his stipulated four overs.

By Indian Sports News Network