The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : New Zealand makes semifinals

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 27, 2006
ePaper

Sport

Sport - Cricket

New Zealand makes semifinals

MOHALI: Stephen Fleming, the New Zealand captain, played the role of a leader to perfection. First, he guided his team to a competitive total with a decisive innings, and then marshalled his resources astutely in a crucial match of the Champions Trophy at the PCA Stadium here on Wednesday.

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 51 runs to ensure a semifinal berth from group `B', having beaten South Africa in its first match. The South Africa-Pakistan contest on Friday would decide the second team from this group.

New Zealand's target of 275 proved tough for a complacent Pakistan, which suffered in the first half when skipper Younis Khan allowed things to drift. His faith in Abdul Razzaq at the cost of Shoaib Malik allowed the Kiwis to plunder 99 runs in the last 10 overs.

In comparison, Fleming's handling of Shane Bond was brilliant as the fast bowler bowled in three spells to claim three wickets.

The chase was bound to be arduous for Pakistan. The task became tougher due to a lack of application. Imran Farhat and Younis Khan showed unnecessary haste, and Shahid Afridi was characteristically casual.

It needed a quality knock by Mohammad Yousuf for Pakistan to put up a fight in the middle. Fleming was declared `Man of the Match'. — Special Correspondent

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand: 274 for seven in 50 overs.

Pakistan: M. Hafeez c McCullum b Oram 43, I. Farhat c Mills b Bond 6, Younis c Vincent b Mills 2, M. Yousuf c Fleming b Bond 71, S. Afridi c Bond b Oram 4, S. Malik c Astle b Vettori 52, A. Razzaq c Franklin b Bond 6, K. Akmal c Fleming b Mills 16, R. Naved c McCullum b Franklin 1, U. Gul (run out) 8, R. Iftikhar (not out) 0; Extras (lb-5, nb-4, w-5) 14; Total (in 46.3 overs) 223.

Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-45, 3-65, 4-83, 5-177, 6-195, 7-202, 8-205, 9-223.

New Zealand bowling: Mills 7.3-1-38-2, Bond 10-0-45-3, Franklin 9-0-47-1, Oram 8-1-25-2, Vettori 10-0-52-1, Astle 2-0-11-0.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport