Pakistan beats New Zealand by 7 runs in Twenty20 cricket series
Pakistan
Pakistan beats New Zealand by 7 runs in Twenty20 cricket series
World champion Pakistan won a record-equaling seventh successive Twenty20 match when it beat New Zealand by seven runs and swept the two-match series at Dubai Sports City Stadium. Umar Akmal was the topscorer with 56 in 49 balls as Pakistan reached 153-5 on a lively pitch. The Kiwis put up a spirited fight. Stand-in captain Brendon McCullum (47) and Scott Styris (43) threatened to lead New Zealand to victory with a 66-run stand for the fourth wicket. However, the Pakistani bowlers, led by paceman Umar Gul (2-29), kept their cool in the final overs. With the victory, Pakistan matched South Africa's record string from March to June this year. I am very happy for Pakistan that we have achieved this record, skipper Shahid Afridi said. But if we keep playing this well, we can set many more records.It was a fantastic team performance, which was very important for us considering we lost the ODI series against them a few days back. The fans here and back home were very disappointed and it was important that we lifted their spirits with a good show.
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