New Zealand trounce Pakistan by 110 runs
New Zealand crushed Pakistan on Tuesday in a ruthless display dominated by century-maker Ross Taylor as injury-jinxed England lost key paceman Stuart Broad for the rest of the World Cup.New Zealand crushed Pakistan on Tuesday in a ruthless display dominated by century-maker Ross Taylor as injury-jinxed England lost key paceman Stuart Broad for the rest of the World Cup. Taylor, celebrating his 27th birthday, scored 131 runs off just 124 balls with eight fours and seven sixes, to take New Zealand to 302 for seven in their 50 overs at Pallekele stadium in Sri Lanka.
In an orgy of power-hitting Taylor took the bowling apart, helped by Nathan McCullum, with 19 from 10 balls, and Jacob Oram, who smashed 25 from just nine deliveries. Before he had even opened his account, Taylor received a huge let-off when an edge flew between wicket-keeper and first slip, and in the same over ‘keeper Kamran Akmal put down a straightforward chance when he was on eight.
Pakistan lost control as New Zealand went on the rampage, with pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar carted for 70 runs in his nine overs and Abdul Razzaq going for 49 runs from just four.
Pakistan, who came into the match with a 100 percent record, never looked like getting anywhere near their target, slumping to 66-6 before a late rally led by Razzaq, who hit 62.
Tim Southee was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-25 as Pakistan were bowled out for 192 in a win that sees New Zealand leapfrog their opponents to the top of Group A. Stand-in skipper Taylor, who deputised for Daniel Vettori who left the field after falling awkwardly, hurting his knee, said New Zealand looked at their score of 302 as “probably only a par total.”
“I think it probably nipped around a little bit with the dew and the way that Abdul Razzaq (62) came out and batted very well our bowlers couldn’t quite hold onto the ball at the end there, but we’re pleased with the result.” ”I had a bit of luck early on which I put down to my birthday but towards the end there I hit a few boundaries which was pretty sweet,” said Taylor. ”One of our strengths is the power we have down the bottom and it showed today with the way Nathan McCullum batted and Jake (Oram).”
Team officials said Vettori, who has a history of back and knee injuries, was being assessed. Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said: “I don’t have any excuse but I know we didn’t bowl well, we didn’t field well, we missed opportunities and I think the fielding is the area where you can easily win a lot of games.”
“I’m totally confident of my team and confident in myself that we’re not going to repeat this performance,” he added.
Meanwhile, England fast bowler Broad has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup due to a side strain.
Broad, 24, joins teammate Kevin Pietersen on the sidelines after picking up the injury during his four-wicket haul in England’s six-run win over South Africa.
Seamer Chris Tremlett is expected to replace Broad, but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) needs official clearance first.
The ECB’s chief medical officer Nick Peirce said the side strain was a new problem for Broad, who suffered an abdominal injury during the recent Ashes tour of Australia which caused him to miss the last three Tests.
“Stuart felt some discomfort following the South Africa match and our initial assessment indicated a strain to his left side,” Peirce said.
“Subsequent scans have confirmed a significant side strain injury – where the muscle attaches the rib – that will rule him out of the remainder of the World Cup.” It is the second injury blow for England inside 24 hours after star batsman Pietersen left for home to undergo a hernia operation.
Pietersen will be replaced by Eoin Morgan.
Host nation India play the Netherlands on Wednesday in New Delhi in Group B.
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