Kiwis relieved to survive late Pakistan charge

Abu Dhabi: Such was the impact of a sensational last-wicket stand by Mohammad Aamer and Saeed Ajmal that it took some time for the Kiwis to realise that they had won the Cool & Cool Cup.

However, it was more of a relief than joy for New Zealand when they eventually won by seven runs.

As Pakistan were tottering on 86 for 8 chasing 212 for a win, before proceeding to lose their ninth wicket at 101, the party had almost begun for the high-flying Kiwis. When 17-year-old Aamer slammed skipper Daniel Vettori for three sixes in four balls, the Kiwis thought it was just the final flicker.

However, in a match of fluctuating fortunes, the Kiwis floundered over after over in trying to take that one final wicket.

Vettori tried all the tricks up his sleeve, the world's best ODI bowlers Kyle Mills and one of the most feared pacemen, Shane Bond were being treated with utter disdain as Aamer and Ajmal started compiling the runs.

Memorable match

Pakistan reached 150 and then when they reached 200, it looked like Aamer and Ajmal would snatch one of the most improbable of victories.

However, needing eight off the last over, Ajmal was caught by Kyle off Oram and brought to end a memorable match.

Asked to explain what went through his mind at when Pakistan were inching closer, Vettori said: "I always backed us to get a wicket. I think when you only need one wicket you probably try a bit hard to get it."

"We backed Jacob to do it — he's bowled the last over a few times for us and he's done a really good job," Vettori said.

"The wickets and the atmosphere are very similar to Pakistan — there's a lot of support for Pakistan here and it's like a Pakistan home game," he said.

"The key thing is it's a victory and no matter how you achieve it, it's still a series win. And tour wins for New Zealand sides away from home — we don't have that many," Vettori added.

Commenting on Brendon McCullum's brilliant form in the last two matches, Vettori said: "Brendon played exceptionally well again — he's probably the only batsman who made it look really easy in the last two games while everyone else struggled a bit.

"Tim Southee was outstanding for a guy who's only played twenty-odd one-dayers."