A fifty each from Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez led Pakistan to a comfortable six wicket win over New Zealand in the two teams’ first warm-up match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.
Opting to bat first, the Kiwis posted 146 and although Pakistan were able to reach the target without difficulty, Tim Southee said at the post match conference that it had been a defendable total.
Only three out of 11 New Zealand batsmen were able to reach double figure and it was in-form hard-hitter Brendon McCullum who singlehandedly led the way to the final total of 145/9.
After opener Kane Williamson fell in the second over to Mohammad Talha, McCullum came in and struck an unbeaten 59 off 45 balls, with three fours and four sixes. For Pakistan, Umar Gul conceded just 16 runs in four overs while picking up three wickets and he was supported by Talha, who returned figures of 2/22.
In reply, wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal gave Pakistan a bright start and after losing Sharjeel Khan with the score on 38, Kamran built an 83-run partnership with Mohammad Hafeez. Kamran eventually retired after making 52 off 45 balls while Hafeez seemed to be practicing six hitting in a thunderous knock of 55 off 39 balls, including five sixes. For New Zealand, Nathan McCullum took two wickets.