Munro, Southee and Rance dismantle Pakistan
With a seven-wicket win, New Zealand took a 1-0 lead on a surface that wasn't altogether straightforward for T20 cricket
With a seven-wicket win, New Zealand took a 1-0 lead on a surface that wasn't altogether straightforward for T20 cricket
Commentator: Nikhil Kalro
7.00pm That was a disappointing performance from Pakistan, and even though they fought back really well in the second innings, their batting was a major let-down. New Zealand, as usual, clinical in execution, struggled early, so they switched their approach to caution and accumulation.
And when they were in sight, Munro launched. He would have become just the third batsman to four consecutive T20I fifties, but was denied it by one run. It was a tough pitch to play cricket on, with plenty in it for the bowlers. But for the sixth straight time on this tour, New Zealand have been too good.
Colin Munro is the Player of the Match: "Very pleasing for me, not something I'm used to, gave myself some time. A little bit up and down, but not a shocker. We spoke about trying to play straight, we went across the line and lost wickets. I've evolved in the last 12-18 months, I tried to premeditate in the shorter format, but reacting well. I was owed one (the hit on the wrists), hit Malik on the head."
Sarfraz Ahmed: "We lost too many wickets, and didn't recover for the full match. We assessed the pitch, if we don't have wickets in hand, we did lose. They bowled well. Our bowlers bowled well, if we scored 130-140 it would have been a good match.
Tim Southee: "Winning the toss on that wicket, and taking wickets was the plan. Not your typical Westpac wicket. He has been playing great cricket (Rance), he's shown he's worthy of playing in this team."
With a seven-wicket win, New Zealand took a 1-0 lead on a surface that wasn't altogether straightforward for T20 cricket
They are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in T20Is, but New Zealand have a clear psychological edge going into Monday's game at the Westpac Stadium, having won 12 matches on the bounce against Pakistan across formats