Pakistan overcame a late order flurry from New Zealand to win the second Twenty20 international by seven runs at Dubai Stadium here on Friday, taking the two-match series 2-0. Teenager Umer Akmal lifted Pakistan to 153-5 before they survived a late charge by Brendon McCullum (47) and Scott Styris (43) to maintain their 100-percent record against New Zealand.
Pakistan, who won the first match by 49 runs here on Thursday, have now won all four Twenty20 matches against the Black Caps. McCullum and Styris kept New Zealand in the hunt during a 66-run partnership as New Zealand needed 51 off the last five overs and 38 in the last three.
But once big-hitting McCullum holed out to off-spinner Saeed Ajmal in the 19th over, New Zealand's task of making 18 in the last over proved too difficult. McCullum hit three fours and six off 41 balls. Paceman Umar Gul dismissed Styris off the last ball to finish with 2-29. Styris's 33-ball knock had two fours and as many sixes.
Styris and McCullum repaired the innings after New Zealand were 66-3 after 11 overs. BJ Watling (seven), Martin Guptill (17) and Ross Taylor (13) fell in quick succession as Pakistan kept the pressure on from the start. Pakistan's T20 captain Shahid Afridi said the series win meant a lot after the defeat in the preceding one-day series defeat.
"The Twenty20 victory was the much-needed win for us," said Afridi. "We wanted to bring back smiles on the faces of our fans who were hurt after ODI defeat, so I am very pleased at it." McCullum, who stood in place of injured Daniel Vettori, said he was satisfied with the performance against the world champions.
"We gave them a run for their money. I knew that even 18 off the last over was possible, but Pakistan is a dangerous side and can do unbelievable things," said McCullum. Earlier, Pakistan were lifted by Umer Akmal's maiden half-century which kept his team in the hunt for a good total despite paceman Ian Butler's 3-28.
Akmal, whose 49-ball knock included five boundaries and a six, added 45 for the third wicket with Afridi (22) after Pakistan lost the quick wickets of Imran Nazir (19) and Kamran Akmal (26) to Butler. Butler then dismissed Shoaib Malik (seven) and James Franklin captured Abdul Razzaq (nought) before Umer and Fawad Alam (17 not out) added a quickfire 39 for the fifth wicket.
Nazir and Akmal gave Pakistan a robust start of 40 with Nazir hitting three fours and six, while Kamran hit four boundaries and a six before New Zealand's bowlers slammed on the brakes. Both teams now head to New Zealand where they play three Tests with the first Test opens in Dunedin from November 25.
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