McCullum helps New Zealand level series against Pakistan

Abu Dhabi: Outclassed by 138 runs in the opening match, New Zealand came fully prepared to ambush Pakistan and heat up the Cool & Cool Cup series which is now tied 1-1 with the third one-dayer virtually on Monday reduced to a final.

The Zayed Cricket Stadium was nearly full as a large holiday crowd had turned out in anticipation of another match-winning show by Shahid Afridi. But the Afridis, Ajmals and Aamers had to step aside for the Brendon McCullum show.

McCullum brilliant knock of 131 along with a half century from Martin Guptil helped Kiwis bludgeon the Pakistani attack and then came up with some top quality fielding to bowl out Pakistan for 239 and post a 64-run victory.

Only Salman Butt managed a half century before he was brilliantly run out for 59 after fellow opener had earlier scored 45 before being the first of skipper Daniel Vettori’s two wickets. Shahid Afridi, who was promoted, disappointed with a first ball duck, bowled by Scot Styris and with that half the battle was won for New Zealand.

Only Shoaib Malik and Abdur Razzack tried to stage a fightback but it was too late and Pakistan folded up for 239 with 2.4 overs left.

Earlier opening the batting, McCullum came up with a superb effort and the extra training against local spinners over the last two days paid off as the New Zealander reached his second century in his 162nd ODI innings.
And when he departed at 274 for 7 in the 47th over, McCullum had played his part to perfection.

McCullum, who holds the record for the highest score in a 20-20 innings when he belted 158 for the Kolkotta Knight Riders against the Bangalore Royal Challengers to kick start the Indian Premier League last year, finally found his touch against a better opposition. His earlier hundred had come against Ireland and with just that three-figure mark to show in his 161 innings before yesterday’s 131, it was a timely reminder of his potential.

A four followed by a six off Afridi after he reached his half century did not go well with the packed stadium, but McCullum continued and later slammed both Abdul Razzack and the rising paceman Mohammad Aamer also for a six each. It was an innings which was long overdue and perhaps will see the younger of the McCullum brother’s finally shed the tag of ‘under-achiever’.
"It was a pretty good surface and Guptil and me just decided to carry on, somethinbg which we had not done so often in the past," said McCullum after winning the Man of Match award. "I just made sure I played with the right tempo," McCullum said.

Martin Guptil, who told Gulf News on Thursday that the Kiwis had trained to tackle the Pakistani spinners, played the support role with a solid 62 off 70 balls. While Afridi did pick up two wickets he went for 49 runs while Ajmal’s ten overs cost him a wicketless 59 runs.

McCullum’s innings ensured New Zealand crossed the 300 mark and with some fans still trying to get into the Zayed Stadium, Pakistan’s strong batting line-up had its task cut out.

However some disciplined bowling and superb catching by the Kiwis ensured the Cool & Cool Cup will be decided on Monday when the third and final ODI will be played here before the teams move to Dubai for two T20 matches.

Scoreboard

New Zealand:

Pakistan: