14 Jun 2009

Pakistan beat NZ in Twenty20 World Cup cricket

7:37 am on 14 June 2009

Pakistan beat New Zealand by six wickets at the Twenty20 cricket World Cup at the Oval in London.

Umar Gul became the first bowler to claim five wickets in Twenty20 internationals.

Needing a win to stay in the competition, Pakistan rode on seamer Gul's five wickets for six runs in three overs to skittle New Zealand out for 99 in 18.3 overs.

Pakistan surpassed the modest target in 13.1 overs for the loss of four wickets to come back strongly after losing their opening Super Eights match to Sri Lanka by 19 runs on Friday.

Pakistan lost three wickets in eight balls to slip from 1-61 to 4-71, but Shahid Afridi lifted his team home with 29 not out.

Pakistan and New Zealand both have one win from two games in group F, while Sri Lanka still has two matches to play against the Kiwis and minnows Ireland.

The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals.

Scott Styris' 22 was New Zealand's top score on the easy-paced wicket as eight batsmen failed to reach double figures.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori made his first appearance in the tournament following a shoulder injury, but batsman Ross Taylor again missed out with a hamstring strain.

Pakistan next play Ireland at the Oval on Monday, while New Zealand take on Sri Lanka in their last match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Tuesday.