COMMENT – Pakistan have won just one and lost seven in eight limited overs international matches played at AMI Stadium, Christchurch, where they will play third match of the six-match series against New Zealand on Saturday (January 29). New Zealand, on the other hand, have a good record at this ground. They have won 26, lost 19 in 45 matches played here. Since 2000, they have won 13 and lost four. New Zealand average 30.59 runs per wicket at this venue, while Pakistan average 22.85
The 36,500-seat capacity ground has undergone two name changes. Originally Lancaster Park, it was renamed Jade Stadium in 1998.
In 2007, it was renamed AMI Stadium after the insurance company acquired the naming rights. Pakistan’s only victory against New Zealand at this ground came in the league match of the 1992 World Cup on March 18,1992. It was the leg-spinner, Mushtaq Ahmed, who claimed the bowling honours and the match award, but Ramiz Raja was a strong rival. His second unbeaten hundred of the World Cup, and its highest score (119 not out off 155 balls with 16 fours), sustained Pakistan after they were nine for two. Dipak Patel then put down a return catch from Javed Miandad, on three. Javed Miandad stayed to contribute 30 to a 115-run stand with Ramiz Raja.
The victory had been set up by the bowlers especially Mushtaq Ahmed, who came on in the eighth over. He conceded no boundaries and only 18 runs in all. He also removed Chris Harris, stumped off a wide, and Mark Greatbatch, the one batsman in the top eight to reach double figures. Only a ninth-wicket partnership of 44 from Gavin Larsen and Danny Morrison, both batting for the first time in the tournament, presented any challenge. New Zealand recorded a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan when two teams met last time at this ground on January 10,2004.
A record total of 24 sixes were hit in the Twenty-20 international match between India and New Zealand at the AMI Stadium on February 25,2009. There may not be as many on Saturday but if the weather stays clear the runs should flow because of the small boundaries. The trick, however, will be trying to steal ones, twos and threes on a small field. The weather on the eve of the match was warm and sunny but there is a 20 per cent chance of rain on Saturday. Hopefully it will leave enough time to squeeze in a 50-over contest.
