Corey Anderson has been out of action for a good part of the New Zealand summer season, but at Wellington today, he came back with a bang! He knocked off a career-best of 82 off 42 balls, with four smashing sixes and six boundaries, and took 2 wickets for 17 runs. In short, he was the man who brought down Pakistan
Captain Shahid Afridi chose to bowl after winning the toss. The New Zealand team set up an impressive but not insurmountable target of 197. Skipper Kane Williamson also added another feather to his cap by setting a new record for most runs in a T20 series with a tally of 175.
The Pakistan team seemed absolutely out of kilter today and could not even last the full 20 overs. They were all out for 101 in the 17th over. Sarfaraz Ahmed, at 41, and Shoaib Malik at 14, were the only two batsmen to reach double figures; the rest of the batting lineup failed miserably at rising up to the challenge.
The Kiwi bowlers were a formidable demolition squad. Their stats say it all about the Greenshirts’ debacle. Grant Elliot took 3-7, Adam Milne 3-8, and Corey Anderson 2-17.
Today’s match was the decider for the 3-fixture T20 series between Pakistan and New Zealand. The victory will definitely give a boost to hopes for New Zealand in the upcoming World T20 Cup.
For Pakistan fans, all sights are now set on the first of the ODIs, taking place in Wellington on Monday. Hopefully, it will alleviate the bitter taste of the T20 defeat.