Pakistan’s bowlers sizzled in East London, led by Ubaid Shah’s stirring new-ball spell.
After opting to bat, New Zealand had their top three batters sent back by the fiery Ubaid Shah, brother of Pakistan senior team star Naseem.
Ubaid cleaned up Luke Watson for a duck in the third over and then had Tom Jones inside-edging a delivery that seamed in substantially to the wicketkeeper.
In the same over, Snehith Reddy’s middle stump was knocked over by a peach that seamed in to pierce the gap between his bat and pad.
Oliver Tewatiya and Oscar Jackson rebuilt for New Zealand but Mohammad Zeeshan broke the stand with the wicket of the skipper. But Lachlan Stackpole counterattacked from his end to bring New Zealand back into the contest.
Tewatiya continued his defensive approach even as Stackpole went all guns blazing, with the partnership growing in stature. Naveed Khan broke the stand, however, when he had Stackpole send one straight to the cover fielder.
Naveed went on to dismiss Tewatiya stumped next over, and New Zealand were soon in a rut again. The tail perished as Arafat Minhas came in with his left-arm spin. From 117/4, New Zealand were bowled out for 140 as Pakistan completed a strong bowling performance.
In reply, Shahzaib Khan and Shamyl Hussain gave New Zealand no hope as they made 54 in the first Powerplay. The two left-handers completed a century stand in the 19th over and then smashed their way to the target within 26 overs.
Shamyl remained unbeaten on 54 off 66 balls while Shahzaib, who won the Player of the Match for the second time in the tournament, made an unbeaten 80 off 86 balls.
With the win, Pakistan finish the group stage unbeaten and head into the Super Six full of confidence. New Zealand and Nepal are the other teams to qualify from Group D with Afghanistan, who lost to Nepal in a thriller last night, missing out.
Pakistan skipper Saad Baig praised Ubaid and the openers for their impact on the game.
“The way Ubaid and the others bowlers bowled was brilliant to watch. I believe in our bowlers and their strengths. It was great to see the openers bat so well. Shahzaib batted with great intensity.”
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