Afridi Onslaught Halts NZ (30 Apr 1997)

30 April 1997

Afridi Onslaught Halts NZ

A six-hitting splurge by Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi eliminated New Zealanders Stephen Fleming and Simon Doull at the semi-final stage of an international double-wicket tournament in Lahore.

Fleming, who returned to Christchurch yesterday, said the pair were on the receiving end as Afridi and partner Aaqib Javed struck 13 sixes within eight overs. Pakistan went on to win the four-day event, beating Sri Lanka in the final.

New Zealand won its first two pool matches against Australia and India, before being beaten by Sri Lanka.

Fleming said Pakistan made 112 for only one out (costing 10 runs), while New Zealand reached 98, but had four outs reducing its score to 58.

Fleming said the trip gave the pair some experience in the hot conditions the New Zealand team will experience next week when the side plays in the four-nation Independence Cup contest in India.

The New Zealand team assembles in Auckland tomorrow before travelling to India on Sunday to play against India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz)