PAK beat NZ by 6 wickets | New Zealand vs Pakistan, Highlights And Cricket Score 33th ODI Match - Commentary

So! What is your gut feeling now? Have Pakistan let go of the game? Or has the pitch become better for batting? The run chase resumes in a while.

Mickey Arthur says that Pakistan bowled well and hit the right areas. Admits that the ball turned and the bowlers executed their plans really well. Praises Shaheen Afridi for his performance today and agrees that he is just 19, so it will be difficult to be consistent at this age. Marvels at the fact that Afridi bowled just 1 bad ball in his first spell. On the Neesham-de Grandhomme stand, Mickey feels that the bowling was not bad, but the batting was excellent. Praises the duo for showing how to bat on a tricky wicket. On the chase, Arthur is confident that his lads can do that, just a matter of patience and hanging in there.

Hard to fault Pakistan. They had New Zealand on the ropes. What hit them? Craftful and intelligent batting. On a turning track, the spinners could take only 1 wicket, so that is a negative as well as a positive sign. Negative because they could have wrapped up the innings. Positive because that shows that their batsmen will not face too much of an issue with the ball not moving around that much. Here is their coach Mickey Arthur giving an interview.

Everything looked seemingly lost for New Zealand around the halfway mark. They had lost half their side, including the skipper, the ball was seaming around and even starting to turn as well. But Colin de Grandhomme and Jimmy Neesham dug in. They grafted and grafted and grafted and eventually, Pakistan started to lose patience, committing errors in the field. The duo took full toll in the final 5 overs, as the Kiwis amassed 53, with 18 of those coming in the 47th over alone.

An innings which belonged to Pakistan in the first half but then the Kiwi all-rounders took centrestage. In what was expected to be a challenge to bat against the new balls, New Zealand stuttered, losing half their side under 100, with three batsmen in the top 5 gone for single digits. Afridi was stunning, with his 3 wickets in the first spell rocking the Kiwis hard. Then, came the all-rounders Jimmy Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme.

Wow. Simply wow. The Kiwis are always known for their never-say-die-spirit. They have shown it today again. From a position where they were struggling to touch even 150, they have crossed 200.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. SIX! THRASH! What a way to end the innings! Neesham has given the Black Caps a realistic possibility of entering the semis today itself. A short ball, around off, Jimmy rocks back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a biggie! NEW ZEALAND FINISH ON 237/6!

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Full and outside off, chipped over mid off for a couple.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. WIDE. Miles outside off, left alone.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Ohhh... Riaz is going mad at his mates now. Poor Sarfaraz has turned his back. He has nothing left to tell. Sorry. Yell. Full and outside off, Neesham drives it through the covers. The batsman take just a single. Now, Jimmy wants the second but Sarfraz yells, 'BOWLER!' But Wahab is blinded by Neesham and hence gets out of the way as he sees the throw coming at him from Imam at the last moment. He is not able to stop it with his left hand and it goes to deep mid-wicket and the batsmen snatch another run!

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. A dot ball! A yorker, around middle, dug out back to the bowler.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Another full toss, this is worked through mid-wicket for a well-run couple. Riaz is not happy with the fielder on that occasion.

Wahab Riaz to Mitchell Santner. A full toss outside off, Santner gets across and drives it towards long off for a single.

Mohammad Amir to Mitchell Santner. A short ball, right at the head, Santner looks to tuck it away but misses and is hit on the grille of the helmet. The ball deflects away and a leg bye is taken.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. A slower bouncer, on middle, Neesham looks to duck and does so. Sarfaraz gets a bad bounce and the ball goes off his gloves towards short third man. A bye stolen.

Mohammad Amir to Mitchell Santner. Down the leg side, helped towards fine leg for a run.

Mohammad Amir to Mitchell Santner. A full toss on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a single.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. Around off, defended to the off side.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Outside off, fuller in length, pushed through the covers for a single.

Wahab Riaz to Mitchell Santner. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. One run added to the total.

Mitchell Santner comes in at number 8, replacing de Grandhomme.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. OUT! De Grandhomme is indeed run out. Excellent fielding from Mohammad Amir. Another super slow ball, on a length, outside off, Colin waited for it and guided it towards third man. He thought he could steal the second and charged back. However, Amir charged in from fine leg, got to the ball and fired a rocket throw to his keeper cum skipper. Sarfaraz had to stretch a little but managed to gather and disturb the stumps. CdG was walking off but the umpire still referred it upstairs. Replays show that the batsman is gone. End of a massive 132-run stand. Could be match-winning.

Quick couple? Or a run out? De Grandhomme is walking off. He is not even waiting for the decision even though it has been referred upstairs. Replays seem to show he is short.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. A slower ball, delivered in June, comes in November, Jimmy looks to pull but is months early. The ball goes off the toe end of the bat towards third man. A run taken.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Around off, defended watchfully.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. FOUR! TAKE THAT! Good effort in the deep but this was hit with disdain. A short ball, around off, Neesham pulls it through mid-wicket. Two fielders converge. Zaman gets across from deep mid-wicket and dives, parrying the ball away. However, because Babar Azam from long on has gone past him, the ball goes past Azam and touches the fence!

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. FOUR! 18 from the over and this is now the most expensive one of the innings! Really poor bowling. Full and down the leg side, de Grandhomme flicks it through the vacant fine leg region!

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. Yorker outside off, dug out for a quick run.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. Full again, slightly wider outside off, blasted down once more, but this time straighter to the man, hence just a single.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. FOUR! This is brute power. Every second ball is a slower one and both batsmen are picking the variation with ease. But what a hit. Full and outside off, de Grandhomme hammers it down the ground. Babar Azam has to move just 5 yards to his right but cannot get there! 200 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND! Can they get to 230 from here?

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. WIDE. Full and miles outside off, left alone.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. On middle, lofted down to long on for a single.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. SIX! SPANKED! This was in the slot again. Full and outside off, Neesham gets down on a knee and slog sweeps it massively over mid-wicket!

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. The ball strikes the batsman very low on the pads. They pick up a single. The umpire signals a leg bye.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. Full on middle, Colin flicks it through mid-wicket. That should have been just a single but Imam-ul-Haq takes a start after the ball comes to him. The batsmen take just a single but Neesham spots Imam's laziness and comes halfway down the track. Both the batsmen are within handshaking distance of each other but for some reason, Imam throws it to the bowler, instead of the keeper. An easy run out was on the cards. For the first time today, Sarfaraz is looking frustrated.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. WIDE. Full and well outside off, de Grandhomme reaches out to steer but misses.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Outside off, tapped towards point for a quick run.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. That is a terrific yorker, on middle, de Grandhomme slips but manages to work it through mid-wicket for a single.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. Landed outside off, played straight to point.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. Landed outside off, Neesham looks to push but misses.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. FOUR! Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a boundary! 100-RUN STAND IS UP!

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. Landed outside off, played through point for one. Half century for de Grandhomme, his second in three innings!

Okay. A few people are asking some questions. If the umpires had already reviewed, how could Pakistan review after the umpire's review? Hmm.... good question. So the rule is - you cannot review after looking at the replays. But the defense of Pakistan in this case is that during the umpire's review, Ultra Edge cannot be used. Hence, the reason.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. A short ball, around middle, pulled through mid-wicket for a run.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. Full and around middle, pushed through mid on for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Action replay of the previous delivery.

Shaheen Afridi to Colin de Grandhomme. Eases this through mid off for one more.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Outside off, driven through mid off for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. NOT OUT. Quote unquote Ian Smith - 'These days bizarre things happen in cricket. And this was very bizarre.' What had happened was - it was a full ball outside off. A yorker, to be precise. Neesham looked to drive but missed. Sarfaraz appealed but it was turned down. Now, he wanted the umpires to have it checked, so the two men in red shirts got together. They had a chat and then referred it upstairs. Replays show that the ball did not touch the bat and NOT OUT was flashed on the giant screen. Now, here came the drama. After seeing the decision, Sarfaraz wanted to review and the umpires consented. The third umpire checked the Ultra Edge and the spike came because of the bat hitting the ground. So Pakistan lose their review.

Bizarre. What looked like a bump ball or a missed yorker at best, has been reviewed for a caught behind. Not a team review but the umpire's review. The SOFT SIGNAL IS NOT OUT. Looks not out as well, with the ball hitting the bat and then hitting the ground immediately. The third umpire gives it not out but now, wants to check for the inside or outside edge. Very bizarre.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Full and around off, Neesham drives this straight back down the ground but Afridi stops it in his followthrough to his left.

Shaheen Afridi to Colin de Grandhomme. Short and around middle, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. Looks to flick but misses. The ball goes off his thigh pads and the batsmen take a single. Leg bye signalled.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. FOUR! SMOKED! That was the line and length he was waiting for. Full and right in the slot, outside off, de Grandhomme lofts it over mid off. One bounce and into the fence.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. A short ball now, de Grandhomme ducks under it.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. Landed outside off, angling away, played straight to point.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. Outside off, tapped to the off side for a single.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. Full and around off, watchfully defended.

Mohammad Amir returns. 6-0-32-1 so far. Should be bowling the 43rd, 45th, 47th and the 49th.

Shaheen Afridi to Colin de Grandhomme. The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. Two runs added to the total.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. The leg cutter from Afridi, Jimmy looks to heave but the ball comes on very slowly, takes the inside edge and goes past square leg. A single taken.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. FOUR! Bad bowling. This is on the pads, Neesham flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Played to the point region by the batsman.

Shaheen Afridi to Colin de Grandhomme. Outside off, this is eased through the covers for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Full on middle, Neesham works it through mid-wicket. The fielder runs in to his left from mid on, slides, but then tumbles, hence he fumbles. Should have been just a couple, but an extra run is conceded.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Around off, de Grandhomme looks to defend but gets an inside edge back to the bowler.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Full and around off, driven through mid off for one.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Landed outside off, driven straight to cover.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. A short ball, Jimmy pulls it away but finds short mid-wicket.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Full on middle, pushed through mid on for a run.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Outside off, steered behind point for a single.

POWERPLAY 3 time. Five fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the end. Shadab Khan returns to bowl out. 9-0-40-1 so far.

Shaheen Afridi to Colin de Grandhomme. On a good length outside leg, de Grandhomme looks to tuck but misses. Afridi keeps on appealing for LBW but it was too high.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. 6TH ODI HALF CENTURY FOR NEESHAM! His first in this World Cup and the most important one for him. Trying to wade his ship through troubled waters. Gets there by steering this length ball through third man for a run.

Shaheen Afridi to Colin de Grandhomme. On middle and leg, helped through mid-wicket for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Colin de Grandhomme. Full and around leg, defended to the leg side.

Shaheen Afridi to Colin de Grandhomme. And again! This one moves away. Superb bowling from the youngster. Afridi lands this on a length outside off and Colin expects this one to come in too. But on this occasion, it moves away and beats the outside edge. Being a cutter, it does not carry to the keeper behind.

Shaheen Afridi to Colin de Grandhomme. That is a beauty to start. On a length outside off, coming back in, de Grandhomme looks to defend but the ball comes back in a long way and beats the outside edge.

Shaheen Afridi is back at last. Can he nip this partnership and innings in the bud? 7-3-11-3 so far.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. Outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. FOUR! Off the top edge! The game is seemingly going away from Pakistan. A short ball, around middle, de Grandhomme looks to pull but gets a top edge which goes over the keeper to the fine leg fence!

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. Outside off, on a length, moving away, Colin looks to push but misses.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. A bouncer around middle, de Grandhomme sways away.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Outside off, tapped to the off side for a quick single.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. A short ball outside off, Neesham looks to pull but misses.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. Landed outside off, Colin swings hard but misses.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. Oops... Landed outside off, de Grandhomme looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls behind but luckily for him, it goes past the stumps. Colin wants the single but then is sent back. Shadab quickly gets across from cover and jokes, trying to stop Colin from getting back into the crease. All is well in the end.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. Full and around off, watchfully defended.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. Full and around off, swinging in a touch, Neesham looks to drive but the ball goes off the inner half of the bat down the ground to long on. A run taken.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. Landed outside off, dabbed to third man for a single.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. A short ball, around off, Neesham looks to pull but gets a top edge. It just clears the man at mid-wicket. Two runs taken.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. Landed outside off, de Grandhokme looks to cut but gets a bottom edge which goes on the bounce to the keeper.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. Good length ball outside off, Colin looks to defend but misses.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. Good length ball on off, de Grandhomme defends it off the front foot.

Wahab Riaz is back on! 5-0-18-0 his figures.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. In the air...but safe. Full on off, Neesham looks to go over long on. He does not time it well but luckily the ball falls short and wide of mid on. The batsmen get a couple.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. Follows it up with a solid defense.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. FOUR! Pulled and pulled hard! Back of a length ball on off, Neesham pulls it with power through deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Mohammad Amir to Jimmy Neesham. Full on off, Neesham defends it with authority.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. Outside off on a length, CdG guides it down to third man for a single.

Mohammad Amir to Colin de Grandhomme. Good length ball outside off, de Grandhomme looks to defend but gets beaten.

Mohammad Amir is back! 4-0-23-1, his figures.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Flighted on off, de Grandhomme plays it towards cover and keeps the strike.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Short around off, de Grandhomme cuts it through point and gets a couple.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Flighted on off, Jimmy milks it towards cover for a run.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Follows it up with a single towards cover.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. SIX! De Grandhomme is done with the waiting game here. Short on middle and off, de Grandhomme gets on his back foot and pulls it over the mid-wicket fence. There was no one in the deep there so not much of a risk.

Imad Wasim to Jimmy Neesham. Floated on the stumps, Neesham defends it off the front foot.

Imad Wasim to Jimmy Neesham. FOUR! Up and over! Tossed up around off, Neesham takes the risk and goes over cover. He gets enough bat on it and the ball goes over cover and to the fence for a boundary.

Imad Wasim to Jimmy Neesham. Slower through the air on the stumps, Neesham defends it off the front foot.

Imad Wasim to Colin de Grandhomme. In the air but safe. Flighted on off, de Grandhomme looks to drive but ends up chipping it towards mid off and gets a single.

Imad Wasim to Colin de Grandhomme. Floated on off, de Grandhomme defends it back to the bowler.

Imad Wasim to Jimmy Neesham. Short on off, Neesham punches it wide of cover for a single.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Beauty to end the over! Flighted leg spinner pitching on off, Colin looks to defend but gets beaten.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. EDGED AND FOUR! Flighted around off, de Grandhomme looks to hit it through covers but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies past first slip and through the third man for a boundary.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Short on off, Jimmy cuts it towards point for a single.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. On the pads, Neesham flicks it but finds mid-wicket.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. SIX! First one off the game and it has come off the bat of Jimmy! Tossed up on middle. It is overpitched, Neesham takes full toll on it and smokes it over the long on fence.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Direct hit and de Grandhomme would have been in trouble. Tossed up on off, Colin strokes it towards cover and takes a quick single. Babar has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Imad Wasim to Colin de Grandhomme. On off, CdG strokes it towards cover and keeps the strike with one.

Imad Wasim to Jimmy Neesham. Once again drifted on the pads, Jimmy flicks it to the on side and gets to the other end.

Imad Wasim to Colin de Grandhomme. Flighted on middle and leg, de Grandhomme strokes it towards long on for one.

Imad Wasim to Colin de Grandhomme. 100 up for New Zealand. It is on the pads, de Grandhomme turns it away fine down the leg side and gets a couple.

Imad Wasim to Colin de Grandhomme. Tossed up on middle and leg, Colin tucks it towards mid-wicket and looks for a quick single but Neesham sends him back.

Imad Wasim to Jimmy Neesham. Floated on off, Neesham flicks it to square leg and gets a single.

Imad Wasim is back! Has bowled just a solitary over so far. 1-0-5-0, his figures so far.

Drinks Break! Pakistan continue to stay on top here. They have seen the back of Kane Williamson. 2 wickets more and they will be into the New Zealand tail. Neesham and de Grandhomme hold the key here for New Zealand if they want to take them to a competitive total.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. On the stumps, Colin defends it to see off the over.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Leg spinner outside off, de Grandhomme shoulders arms to it.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. In the air...but safe! Flighted leg spinner on off, de Grandhomme looks to hit it through covers but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies towards point but Amir stationed there does not go for the catch and the ball falls short of him.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Once again Neesham flicks it to the on side and gets to the other end.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Tossed up on off, de Grandhomme strokes it to long off for a single.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Floated on off, Neesham flicks it towards backward square leg for a single.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Neesham plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. One run added to the total.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. NOT OUT! De Grandhomme survives. Back of a length ball on off, shooting off the surface, de Grandhomme tries to fend it off and pushes the ball out to point. He is called for a run and Colin responds. Shadab attacks the ball like a tiger from point, dives across and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. They appeal and the umpire goes upstairs. The replays roll in and they find it touch and go. After watching a few angles, the third umpire rules it in favour of New Zealand.

Direct hit at the bowler's end! It's touch and go. Colin de Grandhomme is the batsman in question. Big moment this for New Zealand. The replays find that Colin is JUST safe.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. Some movement away from the batsman, the batsman fails to put bat on ball.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. FOUR! This one is much better from the batsman. Wahab delivers it full and on middle, de Grandhomme brings down a straight blade and drives it off the inner half past the bowler. Good timing and it speeds away to the fence towards long on.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. Beaten! Wahab angles across a length delivery outside off, de Grandhomme tries for an expansive cover drive but misses.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Presses forward to a full ball and drives it to mid off. A couple of dot balls to end a 2-run over.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Flighted and full on off, Neesham is on the front foot as he flicks it to mid-wicket.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Rocks back to a short ball and cuts it through point for a run.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Fires one on middle and leg, skidding down, de Grandhomme tries to heave but misses.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Tossed up ball on middle, driven down to mid on.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Driven towards the mid on region. The batsmen have run through for a single.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. In the channel outside off, de Grandhomme pushes at it and misses.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. The batsman picked that bouncer early and let it through to the keeper.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Neesham opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man. One run added to the total.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Shout for a caught behind! Not given. Brilliant delivery, on a good length outside off and straightening a bit, Neesham has a tame push inside the line and misses. Sarfaraz collects the ball, appeals vociferously, Wahab joins him, Sohail at first slip refused to join the appeal. The umpire more importantly remains still. No edge, nothing in the replays also.

Jimmy Neesham pulls out at the last moment. Maybe, something went in his eyes. Jimmy now has a quiet word (of apology?) with the bowler who isn't looking too impressed.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Angles in a length ball on off, Neesham blocks it from the crease to the off side.

Wahab Riaz to Colin de Grandhomme. Good length delivery on middle and off, de Grandhomme clips it off his pads through mid-wicket for a run.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Tossed up ball on middle, Neesham goes back and works it on the leg side. End of a successful over by Shadab!

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Flatter on off, defended off the back foot.

Shadab Khan to Colin de Grandhomme. Goes back to cut but gets a bottom edge.

Colin de Grandhomme is the new batsman in. He is a power hitter and he needs to play a sensible innings here as New Zealand are in deep trouble.

Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson. OUT! A magical delivery by Shadab to remove the best Kiwi batsman. You need something special to dismiss the batsman of his class. Lovely leg spinner. Perfectly executed. Right amount of flight, good drift into the batsman and then it spins away sharply to kiss the edge. Not much Williamson could have done there. He tries to play the trajectory of the delivery by prodding forward with a straight bat. But the away spin brings his downfall. Sarfaraz reacts quickly to take the catch and jumps in appeal. Williamson is also not waiting for the umpire's decision and is seen walking. Body blow to the Black Caps! Now reaching 200 looks really difficult here for New Zealand.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. SAFE! Williamson is easily in. A tossed up ball on middle, Neesham clips it to mid-wicket and calls for a quick single. Williamson responds and sprints across to the other end as the fielder releases his throw to the keeper. Sarfaraz breaks the stumps, turns and appeals. The square leg umpire takes this upstairs but the replay finds Kane safely in.

Run out appeal is referred upstairs. No real excitement shown by Pakistan. Let's find out in the replays...

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. Hurls in a length ball in the channel outside off, Williamson sees the line and shoulders arms. He keeps watching the ball as it disappears into Sarfaraz' gloves.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Shortish and on off at 141 kph, Neesham goes on the back foot and guides it to third man for a single.

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. Fuller in length and outside off, angling away, Williamson gets forward and drives this time, through covers for a run.

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. On a driving length outside off, Williamson is not tempted by it and lets it through to the keeper.

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. On and around off, shaping in a bit, Williamson stays back and taps it down towards backward point.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Back of a length ball on off, Neesham is on the back foot as he eases it through cover-point for a run.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Charges down the track to a full ball and flicks it with the spin past the mid-wicket fielder inside the ring. A single to end the over.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. A flipper outside off, quicker and shorter, Jimmy goes back to cut but misses due to the extra bounce.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Action replay of the last delivery. Neesham is struggling to find gaps here.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Flicks it with the spin to the on side but finds mid-wicket.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Presses forward to a full ball and drives it to covers.

Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson. Turning away from the batsman, Williamson rocks back and crunches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Play and a miss! Short in length and outside off, Neesham gets back to cut but misses.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Offers the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

Wahab Riaz to Jimmy Neesham. Smell the leather! Wahab digs in a short ball on off, Neesham watches the line and length early and sways away at the last minute.

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. Shortish and on off, this time Williamson walks across the stumps and helps it in front of square leg for a run.

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. Identical to the last delivery, once again a watchful Williamson leaves it alone. The Kiwi skipper played and missed quite a few deliveries in Wahab's previous over.

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. Fuller in length on off, angling away, Williamson covers the stumps and shoulders arms.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Loopy ball on middle, Neesham works it across the line and Shadab moves across to his left to stop the ball at mid-wicket.

Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson. Goes on the back foot to a short ball and hits it with the spin to cover-point. Crosses for a brisk run.

Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson. A leg spinner outside off, Williamson plays it down with the spin to point.

Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson. Played to the point region by the batsman. No run.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Spinning down the leg side, it's tickled fine down the leg side for one.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Turns it off his pads to the leg side but finds the square leg fielder.

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. And again. This is beautiful bowling by Wahab. Not easy to beat a batsman of Williamson's class on consecutive deliveries. A length ball on off, nipping away, once again Kane is nowhere with his footwork and misses the ball completely. Good first over by Riaz.

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. Beaten again. An away swinger around off, Williamson pokes inside the line, flat-footed, and gets beaten.

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. EDGY FOUR! Almost a drag on for Kane. Wahab puts it on a length around off, Williamson is on the back foot trying to force it through the off side but it takes the inside edge and runs closely past the stumps to fine leg. The fielder in the deep tries his best but fails to cut it off.

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. Shortish and around off, Williamson gets on top of the bounce and glances it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

Wahab Riaz to Kane Williamson. Back of a length delivery on off, it's defended off the back foot by Williamson.

It's time for Wahab Riaz. First over for Wahab and it has come after 21 overs. This partnership is slowly building, can Riaz break it?

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Shortish and on middle, Neesham jumps back on the back foot and punches it to sweeper cover for a couple of runs. This stand has now moved to 22 in 51 balls!

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Flatter and shorter on middle, Jimmy flicks from the crease but finds square leg.

Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson. Once again Williamson is on the front foot and then pushes it gently to the right of the point fielder. He makes a diving stop but cannot prevent the single.

Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson. Lunges to a full ball and defends it with gentle hands to point.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Loopy delivery outside off, stroked off the front foot to sweeper cover for a run.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Full ball on the pads, flicked on the leg side but straight to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Hafeez to Jimmy Neesham. Presses forward to a full ball and pushes it through covers for one. 4 from the over, 7-0-22-0 from Hafeez, so far.

Mohammad Hafeez to Jimmy Neesham. Beauty! Drifting into the batsman and then it spins away after landing just around off. Neesham is caught pushing and missing inside the line. There is a slip waiting for any edge.

Mohammad Hafeez to Jimmy Neesham. Flatter and on off, a slider, Neesham defends it close to his front pad.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Fuller and on off, Williamson wrists it down through mid on for one.

Mohammad Hafeez to Jimmy Neesham. Shortish and on off, Neesham punches it off his back foot to long off for a run.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Driven through mid on by the batsman. They pick up a single.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Too full and on middle, Neesham strides forward and pushes it out to covers.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Full and on off, Neesham drives it off his front foot to mid off.

Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson. Identical to the last delivery, this time Kane chases it and strokes it with the turn to sweeper cover for a run.

Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson. Big spin there for Shadab. The line though is wide outside off. Easy leave for Williamson.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Too full in length on off, it's driven towards mid off for a quick single.

Shadab Khan to Jimmy Neesham. Starts with a delivery on the pads, Neesham flicks but finds square leg.

Finally some rest for Shaheen Afridi. After bowling seven overs on the trot, he is taken off the attack. Shadab Khan to bowl. The leggie will get some turn from the surface by the look of things.

Mohammad Hafeez to Jimmy Neesham. Knocks a full ball down through mid on for a run.

Mohammad Hafeez to Jimmy Neesham. In the air... in the air... FALLS SAFE! Neesham loses his patience here. Tries to take on Hafeez. Goes for a big swing across the line but it takes the top edge. Just clears mid on and they take a couple. Jimmy needs to be careful.

Mohammad Hafeez to Jimmy Neesham. Neesham has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

Mohammad Hafeez to Jimmy Neesham. Loopy and full on middle, Neesham draws forward and defends it to covers.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Full and floated again, Williamson this time bunts it down through mid on for a run.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Flighted and on the fuller side around off, driven back to the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson. A touch short and outside off, Williamson eases himself on the back foot and punches it through covers for a run. Only two from the over, going has been really tough for the Kiwis.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson. On middle and off, Williamson once again remains on the back foot and just opens the face of his bat to push it towards point.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson. Good length delivery angling away from the right-hander, Williamson sticks back to cover his stumps and lets it through.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. A length ball outside off, Neesham taps it down towards cover-point. Williamson calls him through for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Back of a length delivery close to off stump, Neesham makes a sensible leave. No need to take any risk at the moment, two slips are waiting for any edge.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Goes searching for a yorker but ends up bowling a low full toss on off, Neesham keeps it out to mid off.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Too full in length on off, Kane drives it back to the bowler. Pakistan are doing a great job here to maintain all the pressure on New Zealand. Not giving anything easy.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Gets forward and across to an off spinner and uses his wrists to flick. But he finds the mid-wicket fielder.

Mohammad Hafeez to Jimmy Neesham. Fullish and on middle, Neesham works it through mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

Mohammad Hafeez to Jimmy Neesham. Neesham has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Mohammad Hafeez to Jimmy Neesham. Nearly drags it on! A flatter delivery on off, on the shorter side, a slider, Neesham gets back to crack it through covers but it takes the inside edge and rolls towards square leg. They cross for a run. Shadab has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and the cover fielder fails to back it up. Another run taken. 50 up for New Zealand.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Floated and full on off, Kane is on the front foot as he drives it through mid on for a run.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Darts in a full ball on off, Neesham blocks it from the front foot to covers. Third maiden for Shaheen!

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Lands it on a length and outside off, Neesham watchfully makes a leave.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Beaten on the drive this time! Shaheen is bowling beautifully here. Serves it on a fuller length and gets it to move away just a bit. Neesham attempts to stroke it through covers but misses.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. An overpitched ball on off, it's driven off the front foot but straight to the cover fielder.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Back of a length delivery outside off, Neesham watches the line closely before making a leave.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Angles in a full ball on off, Neesham is on the front foot as he pushes it down to mid on.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Stumping chance? Not sure. Fuller and around leg, skidding down, Williamson kneels to sweep but fails to connect. He loses his balance in the process but Sarfaraz has not collected the ball cleanly. No replays shown, so not sure whether Kane was outside the crease or not.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Full and flighted on off, Williamson strides forward and jams it down near the surface.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Loopy and full on off, Kane leans forward and presents a straight bat in defense.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Walks forward to a full ball and flicks it off the inner half to square leg.

Mohammad Hafeez to Jimmy Neesham. Floated and full on middle, Neesham draws forward to defend but it takes the inside half of his blade and rolls through square leg for a single.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Loopy and full on off, it's forced down the ground to long on for a run.

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Full and around off, holding its line, Neesham guards his stumps and allows it through. Another stupendous over by Shaheen, 5-2-9-3 from him so far. What a bowler!

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Neesham has allowed it through to the keeper this time. Much better!

Shaheen Afridi to Jimmy Neesham. Almost edged it first ball! Shaheen steams in and delivers a good length ball outside off. Neesham has a nervous push inside the line and misses.

Drinks Break! Well, well, well, Pakistan are all over New Zealand here. Shaheen Afridi is bowling with absolute venom out there and has got 3 wickets already in this innings. New Zealand are in deep waters here. Kane Williamson is still out in the middle but no one has supported him and he is in desperate need of a partner to steady this sinking ship. Jimmy Neesham is the new man in. Can he be the one to support his skipper?

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham. OUT! Shaheen strikes again and New Zealand are reduced to 46/4! This young fast bowler is oozing class at the moment. Delivers a length ball just around off and gets it to straighten a hint off the seam. Latham, without any footwork, feels for it inside the line and gets a faint edge behind. Sarfaraz takes a regulation catch this time and Pakistan continue to roar in this match.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham. Fuller and on off, driven off the front foot to mid off.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson. Back of a length ball on middle and off, Williamson tries to defend from the crease but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It deflects to covers and they cross.

Mohammad Hafeez to Tom Latham. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

Mohammad Hafeez to Tom Latham. Quicker and shorter on off, Latham stays back and punches it to mid on.

Mohammad Hafeez to Tom Latham. Flatter and on off, skidding in, Latham brings his bat and pad together in defense.

Mohammad Hafeez to Tom Latham. Skidding down the leg side, Latham tries to flick but misses.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Goes on the back foot to a shortish ball and punches it through covers for a run.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Tossed up ball on off, spinning back in, Williamson moves on the back foot and helps it to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Hafeez is back into the attack. 2-0-7-0 so far. He has been brought mainly because there is a left-hander at the crease.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham. A little short in length and on off, Latham hangs on the back foot and defends it on the leg side. Second maiden for Shaheen!

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham. The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham. Bowls it close to off stump, Latham taps it down from the crease to covers.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham. Another delivery in the channel of uncertainty, Latham takes his front leg forward to cover his stumps and then makes a leave.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham. Good length delivery in the zone outside off, holding its line, Latham covers the line and shoulders arms.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham. Fuller in length and on off, Latham drives off his front foot but straight to covers.

Powerplay 2 begins! Now, a maximum of 4 fielders are allowed outside the ring. Shaheen Afridi to continue from this end...

Imad Wasim to Tom Latham. Turning back into the batsman from around off, Latham goes on the back foot and works it through square leg for a run.

Imad Wasim to Kane Williamson. Deft! Floated and full around off, spinning away, Williamson opens the face of his bat late and guides it wide of first slip. Hafeez chases it down from short third man and saves a run for his team.

Imad Wasim to Kane Williamson. Williamson has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

Imad Wasim to Tom Latham. Tossed up ball outside off, turning back in a bit, Latham leaves it alone and Sarfaraz fumbles while collecting. It goes through his gloves to fine leg and the leg slip fielder gives the chase. A bye is taken.

Imad Wasim to Kane Williamson. Imad goes straight with his line this time, Williamson flicks it through mid-wicket and crosses.

Imad Wasim to Kane Williamson. Full and flighted on off, driven off the front foot to covers.

Tom Latham is the new man in. He has not had a good World Cup so far. New Zealand need him to find his form back and support his skipper. Is this the game Latham announces his arrival? Also, Imad Wasim is into the attack.

Shaheen Afridi to Ross Taylor. OUT! Sarfaraz has taken a stunner! So much of talk regarding his fitness and he has replied here with a ripper! Beauty of a delivery to begin with. Shaheen dishes out an outswinger on middle and off, it's on a good length and Taylor decides to defend it from the back foot. But the away movement means that the ball kisses the outside edge of his bat and Sarfaraz dives full length across to his right and takes a one-handed beauty. One of the best catches in this edition surely. A big blow to New Zealand as Taylor departs.

Shaheen Afridi to Ross Taylor. Taylor has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson. Shortish and on off, Williamson goes on his toes and plays it down with soft hands in front of point. They steal a run.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson. Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

Shaheen Afridi to Ross Taylor. Fuller and outside off, Taylor drives it off the front foot and finds the gap at covers. The in-ring fielders chase it down and the batsmen take three.

Shaheen Afridi to Ross Taylor. Full in length and on middle, Taylor covers the line and pushes it down to mid on.

Mohammad Amir to Kane Williamson. Again the line is the same, it's around off, Williamson covers his stumps and allows it through. Another 10-run over from Amir.

Mohammad Amir to Kane Williamson. Switches to over the wicket and bowls it with a scrambled seam. A slower one on a length outside off, leaving the batsman after pitching, Williamson lets it be.

Mohammad Amir to Kane Williamson. Angles in a length ball on off, Williamson blocks it from the back foot.

Mohammad Amir to Kane Williamson. Amir switches to 'round the wicket and bowls it on the pads. It has been worked through square leg for a couple of runs.

Mohammad Amir to Kane Williamson. FOUR! Williamson showing his full range! One boundary off the front foot and now this one off the back foot. And he is equally classy on both occasions. Back of a length ball on off, Kane pushes his weight on the back leg and sweetly punches it through covers for a boundary.

Mohammad Amir to Kane Williamson. FOUR! Class of this batsman is next level! Amir lands it full and outside off, Williamson leans into the drive and just times his cover drive to perfection. Doesn't try to hit it hard and just places it through the gap between extra cover and mid off for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Ross Taylor. A touch short and on middle, Taylor moves back inside the crease and taps it down to mid-wicket. A wicket maiden from Shaheen!

Shaheen Afridi to Ross Taylor. Gets behind the line of the delivery and pushes a full ball straight back towards mid off again.

Shaheen Afridi to Ross Taylor. Fullish and on off, Ross is on the front foot as he defends it with gentle hands to mid off.

Shaheen Afridi to Ross Taylor. Lands it full and on middle, Taylor presses forward with a straight bat and pushes it down to mid on.

Ross Taylor arrives early. Once again his side is in some trouble and he will have to stitch in a partnership with his skipper. This pair did that in the last match against West Indies and same will be expected today also.

Shaheen Afridi to Colin Munro. OUT! Edged and gone! Shaheen sprints and jumps in delight! A nice delivery by him. He lands it on a length outside off, getting it to shape away just a bit, seeing the width on offer, Munro throws his bat at it but gets an outside edge behind. Haris Sohail at first slip makes no mistake. Both the Kiwi openers are sent back to the pavilion pretty early, yet again.

Shaheen Afridi to Colin Munro. Full length ball on off, Munro plays a confident drive off the front foot but straight to the cover fielder.

Mohammad Amir to Kane Williamson. Shortish and on off, Williamson turns it off his back foot but finds the mid-wicket fielder. Two from the over!

Mohammad Amir to Kane Williamson. Pitches it up and outside off, inviting the batsman to have a go, Williamson covers the line and leaves it alone.

Mohammad Amir to Kane Williamson. Angling away from Williamson, it's around off. He tries to dab it down towards third man but there is a gully in place to make the stop.

Mohammad Amir to Colin Munro. This time the line is straight and Munro eases it in the gap at mid-wicket for a run.

Mohammad Amir to Colin Munro. Much better from Amir this time. He bends his back and digs in a short ball around off, Colin leans back and allows it through. Knowing Munro, the thought of playing the ramp shot would have certainly crossed his mind. Showing good composure.

Mohammad Amir to Colin Munro. Wide! After an exceptional first over, Amir has lost the plot a bit. This time slips a length ball down the leg side, Munro tries flicking but misses. This one was bowled with a wobbly seam.

Mohammad Amir to Colin Munro. Slants in a length ball on off, Munro defends it off his back foot.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson. Angling across the batsman outside off, on a length, Williamson makes a leave. Nicely carries to the keeper.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson. On a length and around middle, defended off the back foot.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson. FOUR! Wrong line and length. Easy pickings for Williamson. A length delivery on the pads, Kane picks it up and flicks it through square leg. The fine leg fielder tries his best to make the stop near the fence but fails.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson. Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson. Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson. Too full in length and on off, Williamson digs it out to point.

The experiment with Mohammad Hafeez is over! Shaheen Afridi is now inserted into the attack. There is some sightscreen issue at the moment and hence the delay. This is taking a lot of time for the groundsmen to fix. We already have a delayed start to this match and this is the last thing you want.

Mohammad Amir to Colin Munro. Pitches it up and on off, Munro drives off the front foot but straight to mid off. End of a 10-run over, a good one for the Kiwis.

Mohammad Amir to Colin Munro. Fractionally short and on off, Munro defends it off his back foot to the off side.

Mohammad Amir to Colin Munro. No, double bluff. A touch short in length around off, shaping back in a hint, Colin defends it back from the crease.

Square leg drops back. Fine leg comes up. Bouncer coming?

Mohammad Amir to Colin Munro. FOUR! Action replay of the previous boundary. Once again Amir is on the shorter side outside off, Munro remains on the back foot and whacks it past the diving point fielder for a boundary.

Mohammad Amir to Colin Munro. FOUR! Right from the middle of the bat this time. Back of a length ball just outside off, Colin Munro camps back and hammers it square of the wicket on the off side for a cracking boundary. This shot will give him some confidence.

Mohammad Amir to Colin Munro. In the air... SAFE! Amir spears in a full ball on middle, Munro flicks it in the air over mid-wicket and it falls safely in the deep. Two runs taken.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Allows the ball to spin back in and turns it off his pads to the leg side. Not in the gap. Another good over by Hafeez.

Mohammad Hafeez to Colin Munro. Up and just over extra cover! Loopy and full ball on off, spinning away a bit after landing on the footmarks, Munro lofts it just over the in-ring fielder for a single.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Too full in length on middle, Williamson nicely flicks it past the square leg fielder and takes a single.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Flighted and on middle, Kane flicks it past short leg but straight to square leg.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Nearly a catch to short leg. Tossed up ball on middle, spinning in, Kane moves back and tries to work it on the leg side. It takes the inner half and goes wide of short leg.

Mohammad Hafeez to Kane Williamson. Hafeez is bowling with a short leg now. Serves a flighted ball on middle, Williamson flicks it with the spin to wide mid on.

Mohammad Amir to Colin Munro. On a good length and around off, it straightens just a bit after pitching, Munro covers the line and blocks it on the off side. End of a brilliant first over by Amir.

Mohammad Amir to Colin Munro. Amir goes very full and on off, Munro keeps his eyes on the ball and defends it back to the bowler.

Mohammad Amir to Kane Williamson. Off the mark this time. Amir pulls his length back just a bit and serves it on middle and off again, Kane taps it down in the gap at covers and scampers across to the other end.

Mohammad Amir to Kane Williamson. Beauty of a delivery! Another outswinger by Amir. This time the line is on middle and off. Williamson tries to defend from the crease but it beats the outside edge.

Mohammad Amir to Kane Williamson. Left alone. Amir delivers a good length ball in the channel outside off, Williamson shoulders arms.

Kane Williamson is the new batsman in. Once again the skipper has been called upon early. He will have to play another vital role here and be the pillar. Amir has two slips in place for Kane.

Mohammad Amir to Martin Guptill. OUT! Guptill drags it on! Amir is flying in celebration. What a start for him and Pakistan! He delivers it full and outside off, tempts the batsman to have a go, Guptill obliges and attempts to drive but ends up inside edging it onto the stumps. The crowd erupts in joy. Another early departure for Guptill. This time on the first ball of the second over. Last time, it was on the first ball of the match. His poor World Cup also continues.

Mohammad Amir to bowl from the other end with the second new ball.

Mohammad Hafeez to Colin Munro. Flatter and a touch shorter on middle and leg, Munro gets back and punches it to covers. Good start for Pakistan!

Mohammad Hafeez to Colin Munro. Tossed up ball on middle, Munro shapes up for a big slog sweep but fails to middle it properly. The ball takes the inside half and rolls to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Hafeez to Colin Munro. Flighted delivery, landing too full on off, Munro digs it out back to the bowler.

A slip in place for the left-hander.

Mohammad Hafeez to Martin Guptill. This is the first one that spins. Shorter on off, it grips in to the right-hander. Martin tucks it towards mid-wicket and gets a single.

Mohammad Hafeez to Martin Guptill. Floated on middle now, Guptill strokes it to mid on.

Mohammad Hafeez to Martin Guptill. FOUR! What a start this is for New Zealand! Hafeez tosses it up on middle and leg, Guptill picks it up early and sweeps it away towards backward square leg for a boundary.

We are all set to begin. The New Zealand opening duo of Colin Munro and Martin Guptill stride out to the middle. The Pakistan players follow them out and are taking their respective positions in the field. Once again it is going to be Mohammad Hafeez who will bowl the first over with the first new ball. He opened the bowling against South Africa too.

We are minutes away from getting underway! The players from both teams are out in the centre for their respective national anthems. Once again a big crowd has come to support the Asian team. The conditions are overcast at the moment and the artificial lights are switched on. The fast bowlers will certainly get some assistance early on but they will have to bowl testing lengths, unlike England yesterday.

Pakistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed(C/WK), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi.

New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(C), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(WK), Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

Pakistan skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed says that he would have batted as well. Tells that they were not worried about the conditions while thinking so. Mentions that he has a good bowling attack and they are looking to do their best. Praises Amir for his recent form and also lauds the efforts of other bowlers. Terms their last win as a complete team performance and admits that catching is a concern for them. Hopes to do well as a fielding unit in this match. Signs off by saying that Pakistan are capable of doing anything and they are taking it game by game.

New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson says that it is a used surface and hence the decision to bat first. Adds that they will have to hang on for a little bit at the start as there will be some movement for the bowlers early on. Informs that they are going with an unchanged XI. Mentions that there was a consideration for trying some other players but they have stuck to the playing XI. Tells that Pakistan are a very good team and the Black Caps just need to keep improving with their performance. Wants his players to fulfill the role given to them.

Toss - Up goes the coin and it falls down in favour of Kane Williamson. NEW ZEALAND WILL BAT!

Hello and welcome everyone! After a bit of a delay, we are ready to get underway. This is an important match for Pakistan to keep their campaign alive but in Black Caps, they have a very formidable challenge waiting. New Zealand have been invincible so far and a win today will take them through to the semis. They have played neat and clean cricket so far and the close win against West Indies would have given them extra confidence. Pakistan, on the other hand, have been unpredictable as always but the resemblance of the 1992 World Cup edition in their performance has kept the fans worldwide interested. We are expecting a great match today here at Edgbaston. Stay tuned for more...