Gul’s record haul propels Pakistan to victory

Pace bowler Umar Gul captured a record five wickets on Saturday to propel Pakistan to an overwhelming six wicket victory over New Zealand in their Twenty20 World Cup second round match at the Oval.

Gul’s five for six from three overs, the first five-wicket haul in a Twenty20 international, destroyed the New Zealand middle order as the Kiwis collapsed to 99 all out in 18.3 overs. It was the lowest score of the tournament from a test playing nation after South Africa bowled England out for 111 at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

Pakistan were unrecognisable from the under-prepared side who lost by 48 runs to England in the first round last Sunday.

Abdul Razzaq, recalled to the side after two years in the Indian Cricket League in place of the injured Yasir Arafat, made the early breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous Brendon McCullum for 12.

Shahid Afridi was again a constant threat with his flat leg-spin, varying his pace cleverly to take one for 17.

He also took a brilliant catch to dismiss Scott Styris (top scorer with 22), racing towards the boundary with his back to the pitch to grab a lofted on-drive. Pakistan knocked off the runs from 13.1 overs, completing a miserable day for New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori who was making his first appearance of the tournament after a shoulder injury.

Vettori bowled the fourth over of the innings, with the fielding restrictions still in place, and saw his third ball disappear over his head for six.

LONDON, Reuters