New Zealand v Pakistan, 2015-16
Wisden's review of the second Twenty20 International, New Zealand v Pakistan, 2015-16
15-Apr-2017
At Hamilton, January 17, 2016 (floodlit). New Zealand won by ten wickets. Toss: Pakistan.
New Zealand squared the series in emphatic style, as Guptill and Williamson put on an unbroken 171, the highest partnership in Twenty20 internationals. It meant Pakistan's handy total - which had owed much to Umar Akmal's 22-ball half-century - was knocked off without loss. The previous record of 170 was set by South Africa's openers Graeme Smith and Loots Bosman against England at Centurion in November 2009. Williamson bewitched the bowlers by targeting, or feinting to target, the shorter 52-metre city-side boundary; he used the full dimensions of the crease as a market gardener might cultivate a small plot. Pakistan's bowlers could not settle on a line or length, and Mohammad Amir was scooped over short fine leg for one of Williamson's 11 fours. Guptill, who hit four sixes, drove through the line and pulled well, as New Zealand completed only the 12th ten wicket victory in Twenty20 internationals. McClenaghan had earlier kept Pakistan quiet, conceding just eight runs from his first three overs.
Man of the Match: M. J. Guptill.
New Zealand squared the series in emphatic style, as Guptill and Williamson put on an unbroken 171, the highest partnership in Twenty20 internationals. It meant Pakistan's handy total - which had owed much to Umar Akmal's 22-ball half-century - was knocked off without loss. The previous record of 170 was set by South Africa's openers Graeme Smith and Loots Bosman against England at Centurion in November 2009. Williamson bewitched the bowlers by targeting, or feinting to target, the shorter 52-metre city-side boundary; he used the full dimensions of the crease as a market gardener might cultivate a small plot. Pakistan's bowlers could not settle on a line or length, and Mohammad Amir was scooped over short fine leg for one of Williamson's 11 fours. Guptill, who hit four sixes, drove through the line and pulled well, as New Zealand completed only the 12th ten wicket victory in Twenty20 internationals. McClenaghan had earlier kept Pakistan quiet, conceding just eight runs from his first three overs.
Man of the Match: M. J. Guptill.