Pakistan, the 2009 Champions, will open their campaign of the fourth Twenty-20 World Cup against New Zealand at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday (September 23). This group D match will start at 15.00 hours (PST).
It will be the ninth Twenty-20 match between the two teams and fourth in Twenty-20 World Cup. Pakistan have won five and New Zealand three in eight previous Twenty-20 matches between the two teams.
Pakistan also have a good record against New Zealand in Twenty-20 World Cup. They have won two and lost one in three matches played against Kiwis in the mega event.
New Zealand, ranked fifth in Twenty-20 cricket, have won 26, lost 25 and tied three in 54 Twenty-20 matches played sofar. Pakistan have won 34, lost 22 and tied two in 58 matches played sofar. They are ranked sixth in lastest ICC rankings.
HIGHEST INNINGS TOTALS: New Zealand scoerd 185 for seven in 20 overs at Hamilton on December 28,2010 which is their highest total against Pakistan in Twenty-20 cricket. Pakistan’s highest against New Zealand is 183 for six in 20 overs at Christchurch on December 30,2010.
LOWEST INNINGS TOTALS: New Zealand were bowled out for 80 in 15.5 overs at Christchurch on December 30,2010 which is their lowest ever total against Pakistan. Pakistan’s lowest against New Zealand is 132 for seven in 20 overs at Bridgetown on May 8,2010.
HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL SCORES: Salman Butt who made an unbeaten 67 off 54 balls with eight fours and a six at Bridgetown on May 8,2010 holds the record of highest individual score on either side. The record of highest individual score for New Zealand is Martin Guptill who made 54 off 29 balls with four fours and equal number of sixes at Auckland on December 26,2010.
BEST BOWLING IN AN INNINGS: Umar Gul’s five for six at The Oval on June 13,2009 is the best bowling performance for Pakistan against New Zealand. This is also Pakistan’s best bowling in Twenty-20 cricket as well as in Twenty-20 World Cup. Tim Southee’s five for 18 at Auckland on December 26,2010 is the best bowling for New Zealand against Pakistan. It is also the best bowling for N Zealand in Twenty-20 cricket.
PERFORMANCE IN T20 CRICKET:
Type P W L T Success%
New Zealand 54 26 25 3 50.92
Pakistan 58 34 22 2 60.34
N.Z v Pak 8 5 3 – 62.50
