Related Links : ICC World T20 2010 in West Indies | Scorecard of New Zealand Vs Pakistan, Super Eights Match
New Zealand defeated defending Champions Pakistan by the narrowest margin of 1 run at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown! Having put up only 133 on the board, New Zealand through the short pitch deliveries pegged back Pakistan to 58 for 5 to seize control of the match. With the target not being so high, Pakistan could stage a fightback and were almost in to win the match but for the excellent Kiwi fielding and a cool last over from Ian Butler.
Pakistan needed two to win from the final ball, just the one run for a tie and take the match into the Super Over. But luckily for the Kiwis, Abdur Rehman’s good looking pick up shot was caught in the deep while the match winner for Pakistan – Salman Butt (67* from 54 balls with 8 fours and a six) was stranded helplessly at the non-striker’s end.
Ian Butler was the hero of the moment for the Kiwis finishing with 3 for 19 in 4 overs along with a maiden over for which he got the Man of the Match award. The best part for New Zealand unlike other teams was that their fielders took almost all the chances that came their way even during the tense moments.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan was all over New Zealand as they reduced them to 58 for 4 in the 10th over. Somehow Skipper Daniel Vettori (38 from 34 balls) dragged the innings along with Scott Styris (21 from 17 balls) to stretch the score to a respectable 133 for 7. The Pakistani fielding improved and they too held onto their catches for a change to sustain the pressure on the Kiwis. Left arm spinner Abdur Rehman was impressive with his 2 for 19 in 3 overs.
Pakistan are now virtually out of the tournament having lost two Super Eights matches in a row!