Pakistan v New Zealand, 2014-15
Wisden's review of the first Twenty20 International, Pakistan v New Zealand, 2014-15
15-Apr-2015
At Dubai, December 4, 2014 (floodlit). Pakistan won by seven wickets. Toss: Pakistan. Twenty20 international debut: M. J. Henry.
It had been a season of rich and rare bounty for Pakistan's batsmen, but hidden beneath the headline names was Sarfraz Ahmed. In 2014, his batting had gone - with the help of team manager Moin Khan - from nervous, lower-order flimsiness to the game-changer of Adam Gilchrist. Moin had been the spark for his fellow Karachiite's swift turnaround and, batting in the format for the second time, Sarfraz settled the game with his highest score in all Twenty20 cricket. It included some ridiculous shots too, such as conventionally sweeping fast bowlers for six. Pakistan's bowling had been on the button, with three wickets in the first three overs, though Anderson and Ronchi at least ensured New Zealand set a respectable target.
Man of the Match: Sarfraz Ahmed.
It had been a season of rich and rare bounty for Pakistan's batsmen, but hidden beneath the headline names was Sarfraz Ahmed. In 2014, his batting had gone - with the help of team manager Moin Khan - from nervous, lower-order flimsiness to the game-changer of Adam Gilchrist. Moin had been the spark for his fellow Karachiite's swift turnaround and, batting in the format for the second time, Sarfraz settled the game with his highest score in all Twenty20 cricket. It included some ridiculous shots too, such as conventionally sweeping fast bowlers for six. Pakistan's bowling had been on the button, with three wickets in the first three overs, though Anderson and Ronchi at least ensured New Zealand set a respectable target.
Man of the Match: Sarfraz Ahmed.