New Zealand bowl first

Toss New Zealand put Pakistan in to bat

New Zealand won the toss and, in keeping with the tournament trend, elected to bowl first in the final group-stage match of the low-scoring Bank Alfalah Cup. New Zealand were playing for pride, with their place in the final assured, while Pakistan sought to join them in the summit clash on May 23.

New Zealand booked their berth after a Daniel Vettori-inspired nine-run win against Sri Lanka yesterday. Sri Lanka could only sit and watch, hoping that New Zealand beat Pakistan to ensure that they don't miss out on a home tri-series final for the first time ever.

The pitch had crumbled in previous matches, making batting a lottery throughout the day. New Zealand made one enforced change, including Paul Wiseman for his first game, after Andre Adams injured his shoulder during the three overs he bowled against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan made two changes, including Yasir Hameed for his first one-day international, in place of Faisal Iqbal. Danish Kaneria, a legspinner, was preferred to Shabbir Ahmed.

Pakistan 1 Taufeeq Umar, 2 Mohammad Hafeez, 3 Younis Khan, 4 Yousuf Youhana, 5 Yasir Hameed, 6 Shoaib Malik, 7 Abdul Razzaq, 8 Rashid Latif (Capt, wk), 9 Danish Kaneria, 10 Shoaib Akhtar, 11 Mohammad Sami.

New Zealand 1 Stephen Fleming (Capt), 2 Chris Nevan, 3 Lou Vincent, 4 Scott Styris, 5 Chris Cairns, 6 Chris Harris, 7 Brendon McCullum, 8 Paul Wiseman, 9 Daniel Vettori, 10 Daryl Tuffey, 11 Kyle Mills.