Super Sarfraz leads Pakistan to easy win
The pace of Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Irfan, combined with the batting prowess of Sarfraz Ahmed, saw Pakistan to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20 in Dubai on Thursday.
New Zealand made 135 for seven in their 20 over, with Corey Anderson top-scoring, and then Pakistan scored those runs with five balls to spare, with Sarfraz maing 76 not out.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to field, reducing the Kiwis to 15 for three if the third over. Kane Williamson, Anton Devcich and Ross Taylor were all out for single figures.
Anderson and Martin Guptill pushed the score into the 60s, before the latter fell for 32 to Shahid Afridi. Luke Ronchi then joined with Anderson and they doubled the score into the 110's.
After the Kiwi knock ended, with Anderson the leading man on 48, they bowled poorly as Awais Shah and Sarfraz made sure of a good start.They put on a half ton stand for the first wicket in eight overs.
Of the three wickets that Pakistan lost, two were run outs, and Sarfraz held steady on the other end. He ended on 76 not out, off 64 balls, as Umar Akmal helped the side home, making 27 not out.
Latest
-
NewsJamie Overton set for England Test debut in place of injured James Anderson
Anderson has ‘got a bit of a puffy ankle’, captain Ben Stokes said.
-
NewsEngland captain Eoin Morgan ruled out of third ODI against Netherlands
Jos Buttler will lead England in Morgan’s absence.
-
NewsNew deals for Yorkshire duo Harry Brook and Dom Leech
Batter Brook was called into the England Test squad for the series against New Zealand.
-
NewsOn this day in 2012: ECB hands Danish Kaneria lifetime ban for spot-fixing
His then Essex team-mate Mervyn Westfield was also given a five-year ban after pleading guilty to one offence.
-
NewsDramatic finish keeps Surrey top of Vitality Blast South Group
Will Jacks was unbeaten on 66 as the home side edged across the line.
-
NewsEngland hopeful Ben Stokes will be fit for third New Zealand Test after illness
Stokes tested negative for coronavirus, but batting coach Marcus Trescothick returned a positive test.
-
NewsLiam Livingstone insists England have got ‘trust in everybody’s ability’
England are looking for a series whitewash in Holland.
-
NewsEngland’s Overton twins Craig and Jamie hope for slice of history at Headingley
The 6ft 5in seamers are standing by should England decide to rotate their pace attack during the third and final Test against New Zealand.
-
NewsTrent Boult to move on and start third Test against England with ‘blank canvas’
Boult was in the thick of things at Trent Bridge when the second LV= Insurance Test slipped through the Black Caps’ fingers.
-
NewsUnwell Ben Stokes sits out training ahead of final Test against New Zealand
The England captain will be assessed ahead of Wednesday’s net session.