Kiwis level series and smash stand record
New Zealand won the second T20 against Pakistan by 10 wickets, chasing 169 to win, and they did so by recording the highest partnership for any wicket in T20 internationals, between Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill.
The duo reached the target with 14 balls to spare, and ended up with 171 unbeaten runs, breaking Graeme Smith and Loots Bosman's record for South Africa from 2009 (170, also the first wicket).
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat, looking to go two-nil up. But they suffered from that age old killer of losing regular wickets, and were soon three down for 67 in the 12th over.
A 39 from Shoaib Malik and a quick half ton from Umar Akmal ensured a decent score in the end, as they made 168 for seven. Mitchell McClenaghan was the pick of the home bowlers, taking two wickets for 23 runs.
The Kiwis wasted no time in the chase, and Mohammad Amir's return to the game to a quick downward turn. After his decent effort in the first T20, he was taken apart here, going at nearly 12 to the over in his three overs.
Guptill continued his excellent form from the past few weeks, and reached his half ton off 42 balls, and went on to make 87 not out off 58 balls. He smashed four sixes and nine fours.
Williamson was equally impressive, making 72 not out off 48 balls. He didn't hit any sixes, but racked up 11 fours. The pair scored 58 runs in the last five overs, to ensure the last match will be the decider.
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