New Zealand's least-favourite claim to fame is their status as cricket's most reliable semi-finalists. In five of the nine World Cups they have reached that stage of the tournament and gone no further, and that pattern was repeated in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20. Source: Cricinfo.com
Chasing 144 for a place in the final, a late wobble from Pakistan's middle-order wasn't enough to turn the match back in New Zealand's favour. Imran Nazir led the assault with a 41-ball 59, adding 60 in seven overs with Mohammad Hafeez, before the captain, Shoaib Malik, sealed the match with a six with seven balls remaining.
New Zealand's participation in this match was unexpected to say the least - South Africa's astonishing capitulation against India at Durban on Thursday gave them a lifeline, and for much of the match it looked like they were still clinging to it. Pakistan's bowling was accurate and committed throughout, with Umar Gul outstanding with 3 for 15 in his four overs, and when their own turn came to bat, Nazir and Hafeez flogged the new ball with such gusto that Pakistan were always ahead of the rate.
Pakistan in Twenty20 final at Kiwis' cost
FE Team | Published: September 23, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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