1st Semi-Final: New Zealand v Pakistan at Manchester, 16 Jun 1999

Ball-by-Ball Commentary

       the weather is excellent, and NZ have won the toss and have taken
        the only sensible option, to bat first
       both teams are unchanged from their last matches. so NZ are still
        with their fine top order, and Pakistan are with more bowlers than
        you can poke a stick at
   0.1 Wasim Akram to Horne, wide: no run, wild wild ball to start us off,
        slipped out of the hand and way wide of the off stump
   0.1 Wasim Akram to Horne, (noball) no run, beautiful movement down the
        line into the pads, appeal quietened by the no ball
   0.1 Wasim Akram to Horne, no run, and we finally have a ball bowled,
        left to the keeper
   0.2 Wasim Akram to Horne, no run, defending outside the off stump into
        the off side
   0.3 Wasim Akram to Horne, one run, onto the back foot, deflected away
        thru the gully, they jog a single
   0.4 Wasim Akram to Astle, no run, pitched up, a hint of outward
        movement, good bounce, zips past the outside edge
   0.5 Wasim Akram to Astle, no run, nearly full pitch, swinging too fast,
        into the pads going down the leg side
   0.6 Wasim Akram to Astle, (noball) no run, nudged from outside the off
        stump to the point, Akram giving NZ their handicap
   0.6 Wasim Akram to Astle, no run, swinging in outside the off stump,
        good bounce, Astle with a hopeless cut shot, no idea about it at
        all

End of over 1 (4 runs) New Zealand 4/0 (RR: 4.00)
Wasim Akram 1-0-4-0 (1w 2nb) - Warwick Road End
MJ Horne 1* (4b) NJ Astle 0* (4b)

   1.1 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, no run, 87 mph to start with, bouncing into
        the hip, turned away direct to the square leg area
   1.2 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, no run, straight and outside the off stump,
        bat raised, ball left to the keeper
   1.3 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, no run, a little too wayward, batsman again
        not offering a shot outside the off stump
   1.4 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, no run, away movement off the seam, that
        beats him, Horne dabbing some nervous defence at it, 90 mph
   1.5 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, one run, leading or outside edge pops in
        the air, but lands safely just beyond the gully
   1.6 Shoaib Akhtar to Astle, no run, good firm defence into the covers,
        Astle survives 1 ball from Shoaib, it's a start I suppose

End of over 2 (1 run) New Zealand 5/0 (RR: 2.50)
Shoaib Akhtar 1-0-1-0 - Stretford End
MJ Horne 2* (9b) NJ Astle 0* (5b)

   2.1 Wasim Akram to Horne, one run, tapping a low cut shot, bottom edge
        runs wide fo the slips to the 3rd man
   2.2 Wasim Akram to Astle, no run, defending off the off stump and down
        the pitch
   2.3 Wasim Akram to Astle, no run, outside the off stump, pushed well
        into the covers
   2.4 Wasim Akram to Astle, no run, slow ball, down to 73 mph, bat and
        pad defence
   2.5 Wasim Akram to Astle, no run, zero footwork, heaving at a horrible
        cut shot, plays over the top of it
   2.6 Wasim Akram to Astle, no run, stepping forward to have a slash,
        another non-shot, bottom edge dribbles short of the slips

End of over 3 (1 run) New Zealand 6/0 (RR: 2.00)
Wasim Akram 2-0-5-0 (1w 2nb) - Warwick Road End
MJ Horne 3* (10b) NJ Astle 0* (10b)

   3.1 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, FOUR, short and quit, aimed at the mid
        riff, Horne too slow with his defence, outside edge travels high
        and wide of the 2nd slip, Horne will tell his grand kids about the
        time he 4 off Shoaib
   3.2 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, no run, defending only, down the wicket
   3.3 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, no run, 94 mph, turned away direct to the
        square leg
   3.4 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, (noball) bye: FOUR, a bouncer, and did it
        bounce, high over the shoulder, slightly down the leg side, Moin
        attempts to jump, but couldn't get to it
   3.4 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, one run, turned away onto the on side, a
        single wide of the mid wicket
   3.5 Shoaib Akhtar to Astle, one run, clipped square, a single to the
        cover point
   3.6 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, no run, jammed down the wicket, back to the
        bowler

End of over 4 (11 runs) New Zealand 17/0 (RR: 4.25)
Shoaib Akhtar 2-0-12-0 (1nb) - Stretford End
NJ Astle 1* (11b) MJ Horne 8* (16b 1x4)

   4.1 Wasim Akram to Astle, no run, outside the off stump, Astle gone
        fishing, but didn't catch anything
   4.2 Wasim Akram to Astle, no run, manages to get some bat on it for
        once, defending outside the off stump towards the non striker
   4.3 Wasim Akram to Astle, no run, playing and missing outside the off
        stump, yet another miss
   4.4 Wasim Akram to Astle, no run, turned onto the on side, dabbed
        straight to the mid wicket
   4.5 Wasim Akram to Astle, one run, flicked off the hip thru the 45,
        Shoaib runs in from fine leg to gather it
   4.6 Wasim Akram to Horne, no run, coming forward to defend, turning it
        onto the on side, to the short mid wicket

End of over 5 (1 run) New Zealand 18/0 (RR: 3.60)
Wasim Akram 3-0-6-0 (1w 2nb) - Warwick Road End
NJ Astle 2* (16b) MJ Horne 8* (17b 1x4)

   5.1 Shoaib Akhtar to Astle, one run, turning it straight down the on
        side, to the mid on, NZ still defying all logic and reason
   5.2 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, one run, looked a little slower, Horne
        misjudging the line, defending on the off stump, outside edge
        bounces short of Azhar at 2nd slip, they get a run from the
        effective misfield
   5.3 Shoaib Akhtar to Astle, OUT: the leg stump is laying on the ground,
        dead to the world, thru the gate, Astle has been put out of his
        misery

       New Zealand 20/1, Partnership of 20
       NJ Astle  b Shoaib Akhtar  3 (18b 0x4 0x6)
       Shoaib Akhtar 2.3-0-14-1 (1nb) - Stretford End

       Astle was jumping for some reason, perhaps expecting more bounce
   5.4 Shoaib Akhtar to McMillan, no run, inswinging yorker lands perhaps
        a little short of the mark, well defended on the off side
   5.5 Shoaib Akhtar to McMillan, no run, more good defence, knocked
        soundly into the covers
   5.6 Shoaib Akhtar to McMillan, (noball) no run, outside the off stump,
        bat raised, left to the keeper
   5.6 Shoaib Akhtar to McMillan, no run, plays the defence a little late,
        or perhaps that's how it always seems against Shoaib, defended
        short of the covers

End of over 6 (3 runs) New Zealand 21/1 (RR: 3.50)
Shoaib Akhtar 3-0-15-1 (2nb) - Stretford End
MJ Horne 9* (18b 1x4) CD McMillan 0* (4b)

   6.1 Wasim Akram to Horne, no run, onto the back foot, defending onto
        the off side
   6.2 Wasim Akram to Horne, FOUR, a little short outside the off stump,
        commanding shot from Horne, onto the front foot and then cutting
        thru the cover point
   6.3 Wasim Akram to Horne, one run, a little flick across the line, ball
        rolls toward sthe forward square leg area
   6.4 Wasim Akram to McMillan, one run, tapping it thru point, Ijaz
        pounces and flings it at the bowler's end, a direct hit would have
        sent McMillan to the dust bin
   6.5 Wasim Akram to Horne, one run, glancing down to the long leg
   6.6 Wasim Akram to McMillan, no run, poorly timed jab outside the off
        stump, ball bounces down the pitch

End of over 7 (7 runs) New Zealand 28/1 (RR: 4.00)
Wasim Akram 4-0-13-0 (1w 2nb) - Warwick Road End
MJ Horne 15* (22b 2x4) CD McMillan 1* (6b)

   7.1 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, wide: no run, down the leg side, first loss
        of control from Shoaib today
   7.1 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, one run, sliding it down to Saqlain at the
        3rd man
   7.2 Shoaib Akhtar to McMillan, one run, worked away to Razzaq at mid
        on, another silly single, if Razzaq hit, McMillan would've again
        been off
   7.3 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, no run, left to the keeper
   7.4 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, no run, glancing, may have come off the
        pad, Moin throws away a glove to collect down the leg side
   7.5 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, no run, slow ball aimed at the off stump, a
        mere 72 mph, Horne defends easily
   7.6 Shoaib Akhtar to Horne, one run, a pull shot, ball coming from high
        off the bat, easy fielding for the long leg

End of over 8 (4 runs) New Zealand 32/1 (RR: 4.00)
Shoaib Akhtar 4-0-19-1 (1w 2nb) - Stretford End
MJ Horne 17* (27b 2x4) CD McMillan 2* (7b)

   8.1 Wasim Akram to Horne, one run, turned away behin dthe square leg,
        Horne looking a lot more solid than at the start of the innings,
        or the start of the tournament for that matter
   8.2 Wasim Akram to McMillan, no run
   8.3 Wasim Akram to McMillan, no run, pushing it away to the cover point
   8.4 Wasim Akram to McMillan, no run, defending onto the on side this
        time
   8.5 Wasim Akram to McMillan, no run, more defence, cramped a little,
        poked onto the on side again
   8.6 Wasim Akram to McMillan, legbye: one run, defensive short of the
        covers, NZ grabbing every stupid single on offer, Pakistan can't
        buy a direct hit

End of over 9 (2 runs) New Zealand 34/1 (RR: 3.78)
Wasim Akram 5-0-14-0 (1w 2nb) - Warwick Road End
CD McMillan 2* (12b) MJ Horne 18* (28b 2x4)

   9.1 Abdur Razzaq to McMillan, no run, tapping from outside the off
        stump, dead bats it
   9.2 Abdur Razzaq to McMillan, one run, quick single from a ball turned
        in front of the mid wicket
   9.3 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, one run, leaning over the ball, defending
        well thru the gully
   9.4 Abdur Razzaq to McMillan, no run, knocked down the wicket, on the
        on side, to the mid on fielder
   9.5 Abdur Razzaq to McMillan, no run, jams down upon it, very nice
        inswinging yorker, actually made the way by McMillan coming down
        the wicket for whatever reason
   9.6 Abdur Razzaq to McMillan, no run, movement away outside the off
        stump, to the keeper

End of over 10 (2 runs) New Zealand 36/1 (RR: 3.60)
Abdur Razzaq 1-0-2-0 - Stretford End
MJ Horne 19* (29b 2x4) CD McMillan 3* (17b)

  10.1 Wasim Akram to Horne, one run, slapping the bat at it, thick edge
        runs thru the gully to the 3rd man
  10.2 Wasim Akram to McMillan, no run, playing and missing a hard
        defensive drive, ball beats the outside edge
  10.3 Wasim Akram to McMillan, wide: no run, straight down the leg side
        by the left armer
  10.3 Wasim Akram to McMillan, OUT: the usual crappy lack of footwork
        from McMillan, trying to slap the ball into the covers, jumping as
        well, outside edge, easy keeper's catch

       New Zealand 38/2, Partnership of 18
       CD McMillan  c Moin Khan b Wasim Akram  3 (19b 0x4 0x6)
       Wasim Akram 5.3-0-16-1 (2w 2nb) - Warwick Road End

  10.4 Wasim Akram to Fleming, (noball) no run, lovely inswinging yorker
        to the left hander, pure class from Wasim, spoiled only by the no
        ball
  10.4 Wasim Akram to Fleming, no run, defending onto the on side
  10.5 Wasim Akram to Fleming, no run
  10.6 Wasim Akram to Fleming, no run, awkwardly played, opening the face,
        deflecting to the point, tying the wrists in a knot

End of over 11 (3 runs) New Zealand 39/2 (RR: 3.55)
Wasim Akram 6-0-17-1 (2w 3nb) - Warwick Road End
MJ Horne 20* (30b 2x4) SP Fleming 0* (4b)

  11.1 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, no run, defensive outside the off stump,
        ball rolls short of the covers
  11.2 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, FOUR, very slightly wayward from Abdur, onto
        the leg stump, excellent glance, too fine for the long leg
  11.3 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, no run, coming forward, firmly defending to
        the point fielder
  11.4 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, FOUR, coming forward, onto the front foot,
        not the prettiest of drives, but very effective to the long on
        boundary
  11.5 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, no run, just wanted to defend it, tapping
        the bat close to the pad, balls ails past the outside edge
  11.6 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, no run, slow ball, worked into the covers

End of over 12 (8 runs) New Zealand 47/2 (RR: 3.92)
Abdur Razzaq 2-0-10-0 - Stretford End
SP Fleming 0* (4b) MJ Horne 28* (36b 4x4)

       in this form Horne looks very out of place at the top of the order,
        I'm sure the team management will have a word or two with him
       Saqlain on within the first 15
  12.1 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, no run, wide of the crease, around the
        wicket, good turn, Fleming withdraws the defence after noticing
        the deviation
  12.2 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, no run, coming forward and defending
        into the off side
  12.3 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, one run, a single from the inside edge
        of the forward defence, to the square leg
  12.4 Saqlain Mushtaq to Horne, no run, over the wicket to the right
        hander, turned straight to the short fine leg
  12.5 Saqlain Mushtaq to Horne, FOUR, lovely sweep, Horne in terrific
        form, ball beats two fielders on the way to the long leg rope
  12.6 Saqlain Mushtaq to Horne, one run, trickles away off a glance, they
        grab a single

End of over 13 (6 runs) New Zealand 53/2 (RR: 4.08)
Saqlain Mushtaq 1-0-6-0 - Warwick Road End
MJ Horne 33* (39b 5x4) SP Fleming 1* (7b)

  13.1 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, no run, defending outside the off stump,
        poked into the covers
  13.2 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, no run, more defence again, leaning over the
        ball
  13.3 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, no run, thick edge trickles away to the
        gully area
  13.4 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, no run, Abdur flings it into the pads, big
        appeal, but obviously going down the leg side, Umpire Willey Wonka
        shakes his head
  13.5 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, one run, coming forward, thick edge runs
        away down to the third man
  13.6 Abdur Razzaq to Fleming, no run, defensive on the off side, Shoaib
        the mid off runs to his right to collect

End of over 14 (1 run) New Zealand 54/2 (RR: 3.86)
Abdur Razzaq 3-0-11-0 - Stretford End
MJ Horne 34* (44b 5x4) SP Fleming 1* (8b)

  14.1 Saqlain Mushtaq to Horne, no run, turned square, direct to the
        square leg
  14.2 Saqlain Mushtaq to Horne, no run, oh joy, the microphones have been
        turned up and we can listen to the dulcet tones of Moin saying
        "Saqqy" every second word
  14.3 Saqlain Mushtaq to Horne, wide: one run, misses the sweep down the
        leg side, they run a single as well
  14.3 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, one run, grinded around the corner,t o
        the short fine leg
  14.4 Saqlain Mushtaq to Horne, one run, sweeping again, beats the short
        fien leg, down to the long leg
  14.5 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, no run, coming forward, defending onto
        the on side
  14.6 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, no run, a little slow footed, but
        safely negotiates the ball onto the on side

End of over 15 (4 runs) New Zealand 58/2 (RR: 3.87)
Saqlain Mushtaq 2-0-10-0 (1w) - Warwick Road End
MJ Horne 35* (47b 5x4) SP Fleming 2* (11b)

  15.1 Abdur Razzaq to Horne, OUT: brilliant yorker, even the batsman
        thinks so, thru the gate, batsman playing over the top of it,
        middle stump knocked way out of the ground, Horne looks up and
        gives a somewhat unneeded nod of approval to the bowler

       New Zealand 58/3, Partnership of 20
       MJ Horne  b Abdur Razzaq  35 (48b 5x4 0x6)
       Abdur Razzaq 3.1-0-11-1 - Stretford End

Match State: Drinks

  15.2 Abdur Razzaq to Twose, one run, nervously prodding the defence at
        it, inside edge runs away behind the square leg
  15.3 Abdur Razzaq to Fleming, FOUR, coming forward and smacking it thru
        the mid wicket, good shot from the captain
  15.4 Abdur Razzaq to Fleming, no run, outside the off stump, defending
        to the mid off
  15.5 Abdur Razzaq to Fleming, no run, bat raised over the top of the
        ball, passes to the keeper
  15.6 Abdur Razzaq to Fleming, no run, slight adjustment in the feet,
        shuffling across the stumps, driving to the mid on

End of over 16 (5 runs) New Zealand 63/3 (RR: 3.94)
Abdur Razzaq 4-0-16-1 - Stretford End
RG Twose 1* (1b) SP Fleming 6* (15b 1x4)

  16.1 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, no run, coming forward and deflecting it
        to the backward point
  16.2 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, no run, Saqlain always around the wicekt
        to the left handers, defending onto the on side
  16.3 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, no run, quicker ball, from wide of the
        crease, not well played, off the body and short of the silly point
  16.4 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, two runs, a fine lofted sweep, over the
        forward square leg, ball has little momentum after landing, Abdur
        gathers just short of the rope
  16.5 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, one run, draged away behind the square
        leg
  16.6 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, one run, playing across the line, thru
        the square leg again

End of over 17 (4 runs) New Zealand 67/3 (RR: 3.94)
Saqlain Mushtaq 3-0-14-0 (1w) - Warwick Road End
SP Fleming 7* (16b 1x4) RG Twose 4* (6b)

  17.1 Abdur Razzaq to Fleming, no run, bat raised, ball passes thru to
        the keeper
  17.2 Abdur Razzaq to Fleming, one run, turned away, behind the square
        leg
  17.3 Abdur Razzaq to Twose, no run, driving outside the off stump, only
        defensive though, into the covers
  17.4 Abdur Razzaq to Twose, no run, driving outside the off stump,
        missing, just wanting to place it into the covers
  17.5 Abdur Razzaq to Twose, wide: no run, wide fo the off stump, Abdur
        has been coming around the wicket the whole time
  17.5 Abdur Razzaq to Twose, no run, outside the off stump again, thick
        edge drive to the point area
  17.6 Abdur Razzaq to Twose, one run, mistimed slap outside the off
        stump, thru the cover point gap, Azhar gathers in the deep in his
        lime floppy

End of over 18 (3 runs) New Zealand 70/3 (RR: 3.89)
Abdur Razzaq 5-0-19-1 (1w) - Stretford End
RG Twose 5* (10b) SP Fleming 8* (18b 1x4)

  18.1 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, no run, driving outside the off stump, to
        the mid off
  18.2 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, no run, coming forward, dead bats it to
        the silly point. Moin just won't shut up
  18.3 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, two runs, driving thru the mid wicket,
        gathered easily in the deep, hardly any effort in the running
  18.4 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, no run, driven into the silly point
        perhaps? Moin picks up
  18.5 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, one run, stepping back and judging it off
        the pitch, poked thru the point area
  18.6 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, no run, leaning over the ball and
        defending it

End of over 19 (3 runs) New Zealand 73/3 (RR: 3.84)
Saqlain Mushtaq 4-0-17-0 (1w) - Warwick Road End
RG Twose 8* (15b) SP Fleming 8* (19b 1x4)

  19.1 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, one run, Azhar's first ball is flicked thru
        the square leg
  19.2 Azhar Mahmood to Fleming, no run, defensive off the off stump,
        Azhar only coming over the wicket
  19.3 Azhar Mahmood to Fleming, no run, driving into the covers,
        delicately played, but can't pick the gap
  19.4 Azhar Mahmood to Fleming, no run, defending square, to the point
        fielder
  19.5 Azhar Mahmood to Fleming, no run, defending it into the covers once
        again
  19.6 Azhar Mahmood to Fleming, no run, tucked down the pitch, bowler
        fields and throws to the keeper, very low key past few overs

End of over 20 (1 run) New Zealand 74/3 (RR: 3.70)
Azhar Mahmood 1-0-1-0 - Stretford End
RG Twose 9* (16b) SP Fleming 8* (24b 1x4)

  20.1 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, no run, driving outside the off stump,
        into the covers
  20.2 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, one run, driving square, just defensive
        in fact, picked up by the cover point
  20.3 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, no run, soft late cut, can't beat the
        shortish backward square leg
  20.4 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, FOUR, stretching forward a long way for
        the sweep shot, glided thru the mid wicket and to the boundary
  20.5 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, no run, dabbed away late
  20.6 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, no run, stretching forward, deflects
        off the pad onto the on side, they considered a run until the
        silly point jumped across the pitch

End of over 21 (5 runs) New Zealand 79/3 (RR: 3.76)
Saqlain Mushtaq 5-0-22-0 (1w) - Warwick Road End
RG Twose 10* (18b) SP Fleming 12* (28b 2x4)

  21.1 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, dabbing outside the off stump,
        straight to the backward point
  21.2 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, to the backward point again, Ijaz
        is the fielder
  21.3 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, FOUR, too wide of the off stump, thick edge
        from the off drive thru the backward point
  21.4 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, one run, awfully played outside the off
        stump, bottom edge trickles onto the on side
  21.5 Azhar Mahmood to Fleming, no run
  21.6 Azhar Mahmood to Fleming, FOUR, drives thru the mid off, to the
        boundary, good over for the Kiwis, must be time for a wicket

End of over 22 (9 runs) New Zealand 88/3 (RR: 4.00)
Azhar Mahmood 2-0-10-0 - Stretford End
RG Twose 15* (22b 1x4) SP Fleming 16* (30b 3x4)

  22.1 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, no run, heaving a drive at it, poorly
        timed to the mid off
  22.2 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, FOUR, driving thru the cover point,
        lovely shot from the one of the 3 representatives of the host
        country left in the world cup (the other two being umpires)
  22.3 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, no run, bat haidden behind the body
  22.4 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, one run, dabbed thru the point area
  22.5 Saqlain Mushtaq to Fleming, one run, hacked onto the left hander's
        on side, Saqlain resorting to bowling over the wicket again
  22.6 Saqlain Mushtaq to Twose, one run, flicked forward of the square, a
        few good overs piling up here: 5, 9, 7

End of over 23 (7 runs) New Zealand 95/3 (RR: 4.13)
Saqlain Mushtaq 6-0-29-0 (1w) - Warwick Road End
RG Twose 21* (27b 2x4) SP Fleming 17* (31b 3x4)

  23.1 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, wide: no run, pitching on the off stump,
        Twose missing the flick, Moin with some handy keeping
  23.1 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, dabbing down the wicket from
        outside the off stump
  23.2 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, flogged into the ground and to the
        mid wicket, clumsy looking pull shot
  23.3 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, wide of the crease, around the
        wicket, ball travels down the leg, flicking the pad and drawing
        the appeal
  23.4 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, dabbing off the off stump and
        direct to the cover fielder
  23.5 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, onto the back foot, shoving the
        defence cover's way again, 82 mph that one
  23.6 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, poked square, to the point again,
        Azhar brings a halt to the scoring, ironically with a pretty poor
        over

End of over 24 (1 run) New Zealand 96/3 (RR: 4.00)
Azhar Mahmood 3-0-11-0 (1w) - Stretford End
SP Fleming 17* (31b 3x4) RG Twose 21* (33b 2x4)

       Shahid is the new bowler, to exercise his old and creaky body
  24.1 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, legbye: one run, missing the glance down
        the leg side
  24.2 Shahid Afridi to Twose, (noball) one run, poked into the covers,
        that's worth a double
  24.2 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, two runs, good running to the backward
        square leg, there's the Kiwi hundred
  24.3 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, no run, skidding thru to the keeper, zero
        turn, ball beats the outside edge
  24.4 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, no run, again past the outside edge with
        no turn
  24.5 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, one run, coming forward and shoving it
        thru the covers
  24.6 Shahid Afridi to Twose, no run, missing his close cut shot, Twose
        very annoyed, kicks the pitch, raising a puff of dust, not beyond
        the realms of possibility of him dislodging the stumps there

End of over 25 (6 runs) New Zealand 102/3 (RR: 4.08)
Shahid Afridi 1-0-5-0 (1nb) - Warwick Road End
SP Fleming 20* (36b 3x4) RG Twose 22* (35b 2x4)

       the apologies to Moin, who copped most of the dust storm
  25.1 Azhar Mahmood to Fleming, legbye: one run, down the leg side again
  25.2 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, one run, pushed down the wicket thru the
        mid on
  25.3 Azhar Mahmood to Fleming, wide: no run, seaming away down the leg
        side, Azhar uselessly coming around the wicket
  25.3 Azhar Mahmood to Fleming, one run, nudged thru the square leg, they
        power walka single, Ranatunga style
  25.4 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, pushing at a short one, zips past
        the outside edge, misjudging the bounce
  25.5 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, flicking off the toes, ball
        dribbles to the mid on
  25.6 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, one run, forced away thru the mid wicket

End of over 26 (5 runs) New Zealand 107/3 (RR: 4.12)
Azhar Mahmood 4-0-15-0 (2w) - Stretford End
RG Twose 24* (39b 2x4) SP Fleming 21* (38b 3x4)

  26.1 Shahid Afridi to Twose, no run
  26.2 Shahid Afridi to Twose, no run
  26.3 Shahid Afridi to Twose, one run, a 50 partnership is brought up to
        distratc us from the slow but steady stage of the innings
  26.4 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, one run, turned off the legs and thru the
        square leg
  26.5 Shahid Afridi to Twose, (noball) one run, driving down the on side,
        into the deep
  26.5 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, one run, flicked forward of the square
        leg, nelson yet again equals absolutely nothing interesting
        happening
  26.6 Shahid Afridi to Twose, wide: no run, wide of the off stump,
        Fleming having a hopeless attempt at it
  26.6 Shahid Afridi to Twose, no run

End of over 27 (6 runs) New Zealand 113/3 (RR: 4.19)
Shahid Afridi 2-0-11-0 (1w 2nb) - Warwick Road End
SP Fleming 23* (40b 3x4) RG Twose 26* (44b 2x4)

  27.1 Azhar Mahmood to Fleming, one run, driving thru the on side, Twose
        is interested in the second, Fleming wants to bask in the glory of
        another run
  27.2 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, poked into the covers
  27.3 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, around the wicket, quick outside
        the off stump, Twose plays and misses, 85 mph for Azhar
       those ears don't appear to have any effect in stopping him from
        bowling the occasional quick one
  27.4 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run
  27.5 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, prodded onto the on side
  27.6 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, turned direct to the mid wicket

End of over 28 (1 run) New Zealand 114/3 (RR: 4.07)
Azhar Mahmood 5-0-16-0 (2w) - Stretford End
SP Fleming 24* (41b 3x4) RG Twose 26* (49b 2x4)

  28.1 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, no run, knocked square, gathered at the
        cover point
  28.2 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, one run, turned down the leg side
  28.3 Shahid Afridi to Twose, one run, pushed to the mid off, Afridi
        effectively bowling just medium pace
  28.4 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, no run, defending onto the on side
  28.5 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, one run, a bit of bounce there, cuts it
        behind square
  28.6 Shahid Afridi to Twose, one run, one handed forward push thru the
        mid off

End of over 29 (4 runs) New Zealand 118/3 (RR: 4.07)
Shahid Afridi 3-0-15-0 (1w 2nb) - Warwick Road End
RG Twose 28* (51b 2x4) SP Fleming 26* (45b 3x4)

  29.1 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, prodded down the wicket, Azhar
        fields from around teh wicket
  29.2 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, nudged square, to the point fielder
  29.3 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, legbye: two runs, bowling wide of the
        crease, misdirected down the leg side, ball rebounds thru the
        square leg, Twose missing the flick across the line
  29.4 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, pushing across the line to the
        point
  29.5 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, diagonal bat slash, to the backward
        point, Ijaz dives well, but again picks himself up and rubs some
        niggling injury
  29.6 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, one run, driving thru the covers, they pick
        up a single

End of over 30 (3 runs) New Zealand 121/3 (RR: 4.03)
Azhar Mahmood 6-0-17-0 (2w) - Stretford End
RG Twose 29* (57b 2x4) SP Fleming 26* (45b 3x4)

       a good score at the 30 over mark, they should (but won't) drag
        themselves up to the 250 run mark
  30.1 Shahid Afridi to Twose, one run
  30.2 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, one run, poking it down the off side
  30.3 Shahid Afridi to Twose, one run, 3rd consecutive single thru the
        mid off
  30.4 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, no run, into the pads, into the backward
        pad in fact, in front of the off stump, perhaps pitched outside
        the leg stump, Moin is in pain appealing, Hair doesn't move, is
        possibly asleep underneath the sunglasses
  30.5 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, bye: FOUR, wicked bounce from no where,
        nearly cleans up Moin, would've fit perfectly in his mouth, but he
        evades
  30.6 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, two runs, turned away behind the square
        leg

End of over 31 (9 runs) New Zealand 130/3 (RR: 4.19)
Shahid Afridi 4-0-20-0 (1w 2nb) - Warwick Road End
RG Twose 31* (59b 2x4) SP Fleming 29* (49b 3x4)

       a healthy cheer is heard for the reintroduction of the banal
        nicknamed "Rawalpindi Express"
  31.1 Shoaib Akhtar to Twose, two runs, glided forward of the square leg
  31.2 Shoaib Akhtar to Twose, two runs, pulled down to the long leg,
        bottom edge, good fielding by Razzaq, Shoaib stands in the middle
        of the pitch, he's obviously too important to go stand behind the
        bowler's stumps, more concerned with sulking
  31.3 Shoaib Akhtar to Twose, no run, swing and missing, to the keeper
       4th ball was delivered, Twose pulled away, got something in his eye
       something other than an eyeball anyway
  31.4 Shoaib Akhtar to Twose, no run, take two, terrific ball, evades the
        outside edge, to the keeper
  31.5 Shoaib Akhtar to Twose, one run
  31.6 Shoaib Akhtar to Fleming, no run, shuffling across the stumps,
        defending off the off stump, that ends Shoaib's adventure around
        the wicket

End of over 32 (5 runs) New Zealand 135/3 (RR: 4.22)
Shoaib Akhtar 5-0-24-1 (1w 2nb) - Stretford End
RG Twose 36* (64b 2x4) SP Fleming 29* (50b 3x4)

  32.1 Shahid Afridi to Twose, no run, tapped down the wicket, off the
        middle stump
  32.2 Shahid Afridi to Twose, one run, flicked across the stumps, to the
        mid wicket
  32.3 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, one run, another easy dab down the
        wicket, to the long off
  32.4 Shahid Afridi to Twose, one run, turning it off the pads and down
        the leg side
  32.5 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, wide: one run, down the leg side, into
        Moin's gloves, out of Moin's gloves
  32.5 Shahid Afridi to Twose, one run, prodded onto the off side, to the
        deep mid off
  32.6 Shahid Afridi to Fleming, one run, tapped onto the on side, thru
        the mid wicket

End of over 33 (7 runs) New Zealand 142/3 (RR: 4.30)
Shahid Afridi 5-0-27-0 (2w 2nb) - Warwick Road End
SP Fleming 31* (52b 3x4) RG Twose 39* (68b 2x4)

  33.1 Shoaib Akhtar to Fleming, no run, worked square, fielded by the
        point, who has a ping at the bowler's end for reaons best known to
        him
  33.2 Shoaib Akhtar to Fleming, FOUR, around the wicket, a bit short, too
        wide, good cut shot thru the cover point
  33.3 Shoaib Akhtar to Fleming, FOUR, driven behind the point, Inzamam
        with the classic fielding at 3rd man, thru his legs, they've
        managed to hide him most of the day, now expect him to get some
        sort of "injury"
  33.4 Shoaib Akhtar to Fleming, two runs, on drive, and yet another
        misfield, Saqlain was the guilty party there I think
  33.5 Shoaib Akhtar to Fleming, OUT: Shoaib decides to take the fielders
        out of the equation, yorker sends the leg stump packing, simply
        brilliant bowling

       New Zealand 152/4, Partnership of 94
       SP Fleming  b Shoaib Akhtar  41 (57b 5x4 0x6)
       Shoaib Akhtar 5.5-0-34-2 (1w 2nb) - Stretford End

Match State: Drinks

       a false start, Shoaib forgot to let go of the ball, what a silly
        billy
  33.6 Shoaib Akhtar to Cairns, no run, yorker length, good yorker, but a
        little misdirected, Cairns plays it back down the pitch

End of over 34 (10 runs) New Zealand 152/4 (RR: 4.47)
Shoaib Akhtar 6-0-34-2 (1w 2nb) - Stretford End
RG Twose 39* (68b 2x4) CL Cairns 0* (1b)

  34.1 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, wide: no run, wide of the off stump, Twose
        had a go at it
  34.1 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, strange shot, ends up chopping it
        down the wicket, no footwork with the dab outsid ethe off stump
  34.2 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, FOUR, cut shot, top edge over the leaping
        Ijaz at backward point, ball sees its way to the boundary
  34.3 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, tunred onto the on side
  34.4 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, legbye: one run, playing late at it, ball
        dribbles on the offside, inside edge there, perhaps the umpire was
        giving his knee a scratch
  34.5 Azhar Mahmood to Cairns, legbye: one run, to the short leg area
  34.6 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, one run, ball doesn't travel further than a
        metre, Cairns calls well for the run, Azhar manages to curve it
        off the inside fo the boot into the stumps, goaaaal!

End of over 35 (8 runs) New Zealand 160/4 (RR: 4.57)
Azhar Mahmood 7-0-23-0 (3w) - Warwick Road End
RG Twose 44* (73b 3x4) CL Cairns 0* (2b)

  35.1 Shoaib Akhtar to Twose, no run, around the wicket, Twose missing
        the back foot push across the line to point
  35.2 Shoaib Akhtar to Twose, no run, very wide of the off stump, at
        least Twose thought so, lunging and missing the cut shot, then
        giving the umpire a bit of a stare
  35.3 Shoaib Akhtar to Twose, one run, inside edge into the pads, Twose
        falling over in that shot, a run is recived thru silly point
  35.4 Shoaib Akhtar to Cairns, no run
  35.5 Shoaib Akhtar to Cairns, no run, attempted off cutter perhaps,
        misdirected wide of the off stump, driven into the covers
  35.6 Shoaib Akhtar to Cairns, one run, dabs it close on the off side,
        ball runs away short of the slips, a quick single is in there

End of over 36 (2 runs) New Zealand 162/4 (RR: 4.50)
Shoaib Akhtar 7-0-36-2 (1w 2nb) - Stretford End
CL Cairns 1* (5b) RG Twose 45* (76b 3x4)

  36.1 Azhar Mahmood to Cairns, no run, turned off the pads, direct to the
        mid wicket
  36.2 Azhar Mahmood to Cairns, two runs, misplays a loft over the extra
        cover, Inzamam is found hiding in the deep
  36.3 Azhar Mahmood to Cairns, one run, pushing square, just behind the
        point
  36.4 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, legbye: one run, poorly timed flick across
        the line, may have clipped the pads, yes indeed it did
  36.5 Azhar Mahmood to Cairns, no run, defending outside the off stump,
        into the covers, easily gatehred
  36.6 Azhar Mahmood to Cairns, one run, defending down the on side, to
        the mid on fielder, another quick single

End of over 37 (5 runs) New Zealand 167/4 (RR: 4.51)
Azhar Mahmood 8-0-27-0 (3w) - Warwick Road End
CL Cairns 5* (10b) RG Twose 45* (77b 3x4)

       NZ still mostly on target for 250
       the Razzler is back, Shoaib taken off - he always seems to bowl his
        10 in 4-3-3 spells
  37.1 Abdur Razzaq to Cairns, no run
  37.2 Abdur Razzaq to Cairns, no run, playing and missing outside the off
        stump, that ball kept very low
       lots of little hints about for how NZ might steal this match
  37.3 Abdur Razzaq to Cairns, no run, poked on the off side, into the
        covers
  37.4 Abdur Razzaq to Cairns, one run, driving down the on side for a
        quick one
  37.5 Abdur Razzaq to Twose, one run, gliding it down to the big fella at
        3rd man, but there's no beating the Rock fo Gibraltar this time
  37.6 Abdur Razzaq to Cairns, legbye: one run, an appeal is heard, but a
        run is taken

End of over 38 (3 runs) New Zealand 170/4 (RR: 4.47)
Abdur Razzaq 6-0-21-1 (1w) - Stretford End
CL Cairns 6* (15b) RG Twose 46* (78b 3x4)

  38.1 Azhar Mahmood to Cairns, no run, defended square, that guy in the
        green with no moustache is slighted in the crowd
  38.2 Azhar Mahmood to Cairns, FOUR, hacks an on drive down the ground,
        typical Cairns shot, knows nothing about playing square of the
        wicket
  38.3 Azhar Mahmood to Cairns, one run, poked thru the covers
  38.4 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run
  38.5 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run
  38.6 Azhar Mahmood to Twose, no run, tapped onto the on side

End of over 39 (5 runs) New Zealand 175/4 (RR: 4.49)
Azhar Mahmood 9-0-32-0 (3w) - Warwick Road End
CL Cairns 11* (18b 1x4) RG Twose 46* (81b 3x4)

  39.1 Abdur Razzaq to Cairns, legbye: one run
  39.2 Abdur Razzaq to Twose, no run
  39.3 Abdur Razzaq to Twose, OUT: Abdur coming around wicket, Twose
        gliding the flick away, great catch by ijaz leaping to his right
        at backward point, one handed to his right side, amazing catch
        from nowhere

       New Zealand 176/5, Partnership of 24
       RG Twose  c Ijaz Ahmed b Abdur Razzaq  46 (83b 3x4 0x6)
       Abdur Razzaq 6.3-0-21-2 (1w) - Stretford End

       harris bumped ahead of parore
  39.4 Abdur Razzaq to Harris, legbye: one run
  39.5 Abdur Razzaq to Cairns, no run
  39.6 Abdur Razzaq to Cairns, one run, driving down the on side, into the
        deep

End of over 40 (3 runs) New Zealand 178/5 (RR: 4.45)
Abdur Razzaq 7-0-22-2 (1w) - Stretford End
CL Cairns 12* (21b 1x4) CZ Harris 0* (1b)

       Ijaz has obviously been doing a lot of work on his batting styke in
        the nets, TV comms were telling us that he is a left handed
        batsman
       Saqqy is backy
  40.1 Saqlain Mushtaq to Cairns, no run, jams upon a full length ball
  40.2 Saqlain Mushtaq to Cairns, one run
  40.3 Saqlain Mushtaq to Harris, no run, pushing the cramped defence to
        the point fielder
  40.4 Saqlain Mushtaq to Harris, one run, sweeping pull shot down towards
        the long leg
  40.5 Saqlain Mushtaq to Cairns, no run, trying to play across the line
        thru the mid wicket, missing and into the pads
  40.6 Saqlain Mushtaq to Cairns, no run, playing across the line again,
        not the best of batting, perhaps he's looking for some runs from
        the inside edge

End of over 41 (2 runs) New Zealand 180/5 (RR: 4.39)
Saqlain Mushtaq 7-0-31-0 (1w) - Warwick Road End
CZ Harris 1* (3b) CL Cairns 13* (25b 1x4)

  41.1 Abdur Razzaq to Harris, no run, pushing across the ball, to the
        point
  41.2 Abdur Razzaq to Harris, two runs, dabs it Wasti at mid off, the
        needless throws hits the stumps and gives away the overthrow
  41.3 Abdur Razzaq to Harris, one run, pushing into the covers for a
        quickie
  41.4 Abdur Razzaq to Cairns, one run, turning it behind square, Shahid
        runs in well, still very agile for a 33 year old
  41.5 Abdur Razzaq to Harris, one run
  41.6 Abdur Razzaq to Cairns, one run, playing across the line once
        again, Afridi is once again the fielder from deep square leg

End of over 42 (6 runs) New Zealand 186/5 (RR: 4.43)
Abdur Razzaq 8-0-28-2 (1w) - Stretford End
CL Cairns 15* (27b 1x4) CZ Harris 5* (7b)

       Wasim coming on in time to complete his 10
  42.1 Wasim Akram to Cairns, no run, jams onto the ball outside the off
        stump
  42.2 Wasim Akram to Cairns, legbye: one run, travels close on the on
        side
  42.3 Wasim Akram to Harris, two runs, left handers plays across the line
        this time, pushing thru the square leg
  42.4 Wasim Akram to Harris, wide: no run, down the leg side and to the
        keeper
  42.4 Wasim Akram to Harris, two runs, flapping the bat at it, EDGED!
        just wide of the Moin, Saqlain gathers in the deep with a good
        slide
  42.5 Wasim Akram to Harris, legbye: one run, forward defence, into the
        pads, appeal, and a run
  42.6 Wasim Akram to Cairns, one run, leaning forward and poking it into
        the covers, 8 off the over without much fuss

End of over 43 (8 runs) New Zealand 194/5 (RR: 4.51)
Wasim Akram 7-0-23-1 (3w 3nb) - Warwick Road End
CL Cairns 16* (30b 1x4) CZ Harris 9* (10b)

  43.1 Saqlain Mushtaq to Cairns, one run
  43.2 Saqlain Mushtaq to Harris, no run
  43.3 Saqlain Mushtaq to Harris, no run
  43.4 Saqlain Mushtaq to Harris, two runs, throwing the bat at it,
        actually turns into quite a smooth cover drive, lofting it over
        the covers and into the deep
  43.5 Saqlain Mushtaq to Harris, no run
  43.6 Saqlain Mushtaq to Harris, two runs, sweeping and lofting over the
        backward square leg

End of over 44 (5 runs) New Zealand 199/5 (RR: 4.52)
Saqlain Mushtaq 8-0-36-0 (1w) - Stretford End
CL Cairns 17* (31b 1x4) CZ Harris 13* (15b)

  44.1 Wasim Akram to Cairns, FOUR, smacking a cover drive, down the
        ground, as is Cairns's want
  44.2 Wasim Akram to Cairns, no run
  44.3 Wasim Akram to Cairns, one run, just wide of Ijaz at backward
        point, replay shows it should've bene called no ball
  44.4 Wasim Akram to Harris, no run
  44.5 Wasim Akram to Harris, one run
  44.6 Wasim Akram to Cairns, two runs, the funny fellow with the white
        beard is on TV again, he's had more TV exposure in this World Cup
        than your average member of the NZ top order

End of over 45 (8 runs) New Zealand 207/5 (RR: 4.60)
Wasim Akram 8-0-31-1 (3w 3nb) - Warwick Road End
CZ Harris 14* (17b) CL Cairns 24* (35b 2x4)

  45.1 Shoaib Akhtar to Harris, two runs, pushing the bat at it,
        controlled thick edge to one of the less athletic fielders at 3rd
        man
  45.2 Shoaib Akhtar to Harris, no run, defends on the off side, towards
        the mid off
  45.3 Shoaib Akhtar to Harris, no run
  45.4 Shoaib Akhtar to Harris, OUT: around the wicket, slow ball, Harris
        with little nouss about what that was doing, was trying to sling
        it onto the on side, Shoaib hits the leg stump once again

       New Zealand 209/6, Partnership of 33
       CZ Harris  b Shoaib Akhtar  16 (21b 0x4 0x6)
       Shoaib Akhtar 7.4-0-38-3 (1w 2nb) - Stretford End

  45.5 Shoaib Akhtar to Parore, no run, terrific inswinging yorker, very
        well defended by Parore
  45.6 Shoaib Akhtar to Parore, no run, dabbing and missing, ball evades
        the outside edge, to the keeper

End of over 46 (2 runs) New Zealand 209/6 (RR: 4.54)
Shoaib Akhtar 8-0-38-3 (1w 2nb) - Stretford End
CL Cairns 24* (35b 2x4) AC Parore 0* (2b)

  46.1 Wasim Akram to Cairns, no run
  46.2 Wasim Akram to Cairns, legbye: one run, trying to hoist it over the
        square leg, well missed, takes it on the erm, soft and tenders,
        Parore the true sadist calls him for a single
  46.3 Wasim Akram to Parore, no run
  46.4 Wasim Akram to Parore, wide: no run
  46.4 Wasim Akram to Parore, OUT: stepping back to make room, late cut
        just clips the off bail, Parore the goose doesn't realise and is
        still running the second, wondering why Pakistan are hugging in
        the middle of the pitch

       New Zealand 211/7, Partnership of 2
       AC Parore  b Wasim Akram  0 (4b 0x4 0x6)
       Wasim Akram 8.4-0-32-2 (4w 3nb) - Warwick Road End

  46.5 Wasim Akram to Nash, wide: no run, and another wide, to push the
        extras up to god know how many
  46.5 Wasim Akram to Nash, wide: no run, and another one, Wasim
        determined to have Pakistan chasing a good target
  46.5 Wasim Akram to Nash, no run
  46.6 Wasim Akram to Nash, no run

End of over 47 (4 runs) New Zealand 213/7 (RR: 4.53)
Wasim Akram 9-0-34-2 (6w 3nb) - Warwick Road End
CL Cairns 24* (37b 2x4) DJ Nash 0* (2b)

  47.1 Shoaib Akhtar to Cairns, FOUR, ball is overpitched, Cairns with a
        fine cover drive, slapdashing it thru the covers
  47.2 Shoaib Akhtar to Cairns, one run
  47.3 Shoaib Akhtar to Nash, no run
  47.4 Shoaib Akhtar to Nash, no run, squared up a little, defended to
        Wasim at extra cover
  47.5 Shoaib Akhtar to Nash, no run, defended outside the off stump,
        played to the cover fielder, fine batting in the 48th over
  47.6 Shoaib Akhtar to Nash, no run, excellent ball on the off stump,
        yorker, can't blame the batsman for having to defend that one

End of over 48 (5 runs) New Zealand 218/7 (RR: 4.54)
Shoaib Akhtar 9-0-43-3 (1w 2nb) - Stretford End
CL Cairns 29* (39b 3x4) DJ Nash 0* (6b)

       Shoaib kneels on the ground, looking his usual knackered self
  48.1 Wasim Akram to Cairns, two runs, driving down the off side, to
        Inzamam in the deep, who must be getting a bit knackered himself
        with all this outfielding
  48.2 Wasim Akram to Cairns, no run, jamming on top of the ball, thru to
        the keeper
  48.3 Wasim Akram to Cairns, one run, slashing it down thru the gully,
        his bat is cactus, a big flew off the bottom edge
  48.4 Wasim Akram to Nash, one run, working it down to the 3rd man, Nash
        finally off the mark, possibly thru the intervention of a higher
        power
  48.5 Wasim Akram to Cairns, (noball) two runs, cross bat shot, lifts it
        over the covers and into the deep, Wasim especially amaused to
        find that being a no ball
  48.5 Wasim Akram to Cairns, three runs, flicked behind the square leg,
        they manage 3 before the fielder gets his act together
  48.6 Wasim Akram to Nash, wide: no run, and extras now hit a disgraceful
        47, beating the score of Twose
  48.6 Wasim Akram to Nash, no run, outside the off stump and to the
        keeper

End of over 49 (11 runs) New Zealand 229/7 (RR: 4.67)
Wasim Akram 10-0-45-2 (7w 4nb) - Warwick Road End
CL Cairns 37* (44b 3x4) DJ Nash 1* (8b)

       last over beginning past the cut off, this may just be another
        thing in NZ's favour
  49.1 Shoaib Akhtar to Cairns, two runs, lofting over the covers, lands
        in between the deep fielders
  49.2 Shoaib Akhtar to Cairns, two runs, excellent running from the jab
        just behind the point fielder
  49.3 Shoaib Akhtar to Cairns, one run, off cutter aimed at the batsman
        moving down the leg side, leading edge loops over the slip area
  49.4 Shoaib Akhtar to Nash, FOUR, using his feet and crashes an off
        drive, to the long off boundary, excellent shot
  49.5 Shoaib Akhtar to Nash, one run, stepping back and pushing behind
        point, no time for a second no matter what Nash thinks
  49.6 Shoaib Akhtar to Cairns, two runs, stepping across the stumps,
        flicks across the line to the forward square leg, poor outfielding
        and poor retrieving by the bowler means there no hassles for the
        batsmen

End of over 50 (12 runs) New Zealand 241/7 (RR: 4.82)
Shoaib Akhtar 10-0-55-3 (1w 2nb) - Stretford End
DJ Nash 6* (10b 1x4) CL Cairns 44* (48b 3x4)

       and that is a very good score for NZ, plenty of things in NZ's
        favour: erratic bounce from the pitch, a possible over reduction,
        Pakistan being notoriously poor chasers of late, a shallow
        Pakistan top order with the "all-rounders" starting at number 5.
       this is not the foregone conclusion that everyone was woofing it
        was. 2nd innings to commence at 1400 GMT

Match State: Lunch

   0.1 Allott to Saeed Anwar, no run, tapped down the wicket
   0.2 Allott to Saeed Anwar, no run, obvious inside edge into the pad,
        Allott with a big appeal
   0.3 Allott to Saeed Anwar, one run, flicking onto the on side
   0.4 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run
   0.5 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run
   0.6 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run

End of over 1 (1 run) Pakistan 1/0 (RR: 1.00 RRR: 241/49 = 4.92)
GI Allott 1-0-1-0 - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 1* (3b) Wajahatullah Wasti 0* (3b)

   1.1 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run
   1.2 Nash to Saeed Anwar, (noball) no run
   1.2 Nash to Saeed Anwar, two runs
   1.3 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run
   1.4 Nash to Saeed Anwar, wide: no run
   1.4 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run
   1.5 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run
   1.6 Nash to Saeed Anwar, FOUR

End of over 2 (8 runs) Pakistan 9/0 (RR: 4.50 RRR: 233/48 = 4.85)
DJ Nash 1-0-8-0 (1w 1nb) - Stretford End
Wajahatullah Wasti 0* (3b) Saeed Anwar 7* (10b 1x4)

   2.1 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run
   2.2 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run
   2.3 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run
   2.4 Allott to Wajahatullah, one run, pushing outside the off stump,
        thru the backward point
   2.5 Allott to Saeed Anwar, no run, dabbing onto the on side
       just in case any newcomers were thinking that cricket is an
        exciting game, we have one of those mandatory 2 minute delays
        whilst some reflection is fixed
   2.6 Allott to Saeed Anwar, one run

End of over 3 (2 runs) Pakistan 11/0 (RR: 3.67 RRR: 231/47 = 4.91)
GI Allott 2-0-3-0 - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 8* (12b 1x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 1* (7b)

   3.1 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run, and just some defence
   3.2 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run, playing and missing outside the off
        stump, to the keeper
   3.3 Nash to Saeed Anwar, FOUR, full and wide of the off stump, easy
        peasy, slashed down thru the gully
   3.4 Nash to Saeed Anwar, one run
   3.5 Nash to Wajahatullah, no run
   3.6 Nash to Wajahatullah, no run, dabbing it down the on side, to the
        mid on

End of over 4 (5 runs) Pakistan 16/0 (RR: 4.00 RRR: 226/46 = 4.91)
DJ Nash 2-0-13-0 (1w 1nb) - Stretford End
Saeed Anwar 13* (16b 2x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 1* (9b)

   4.1 Allott to Saeed Anwar, two runs, leaning forward and flicking off
        the pads forward of the square leg
   4.2 Allott to Saeed Anwar, no run
   4.3 Allott to Saeed Anwar, (noball) no run, outside the off stump,
        Saeed having a swing but missing
   4.3 Allott to Saeed Anwar, no run
   4.4 Allott to Saeed Anwar, one run, launching into the drive, couldn't
        quite time it and consequently just the one
   4.5 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run, another full toss, Waja doesn't
        think it's easy enough to hit, taps it down to the mid off
   4.6 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run, tapping down the wicket, Wasti in
        the Boycott mode of attack

End of over 5 (4 runs) Pakistan 20/0 (RR: 4.00 RRR: 222/45 = 4.93)
GI Allott 3-0-7-0 (1nb) - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 16* (21b 2x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 1* (11b)

   5.1 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run
   5.2 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run, easy little defensive tap into the
        covers
   5.3 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run, outside the off stump, defending down
        the wicket to the bowler again
   5.4 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run, pitched up, Saeed squeezes it out onto
        the on side
   5.5 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run, driving onto the off side, gathered by
        the mid off
   5.6 Nash to Saeed Anwar, FOUR, on the verge of the first maiden of the
        day, puts it into the pads of Anwar, dispatches a handy on drive

End of over 6 (4 runs) Pakistan 24/0 (RR: 4.00 RRR: 218/44 = 4.95)
DJ Nash 3-0-17-0 (1w 1nb) - Stretford End
Wajahatullah Wasti 1* (11b) Saeed Anwar 20* (27b 3x4)

   6.1 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run, tapping into the covers, Wasti
        determined to see it out until stumps
   6.2 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run, defensive past the non striker, mid
        off is the fielder
   6.3 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run, more defence, go Wasti you good
        thing!
   6.4 Allott to Wajahatullah, FOUR, on the pads, excellent flick behind
        square leg, too wide of the fine leg
   6.5 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run, dabbing into the off side
   6.6 Allott to Wajahatullah, FOUR, much better, handy cover drive,
        played just in front of point, Wasti getting jiggy with it

End of over 7 (8 runs) Pakistan 32/0 (RR: 4.57 RRR: 210/43 = 4.88)
GI Allott 4-0-15-0 (1nb) - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 20* (27b 3x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 9* (17b 2x4)

   7.1 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run, pitched up on the stumps, Nash coming
        around the wicket, turned away to the mid wicket
   7.2 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run, pushing outside the off stump, to the
        point fielder
   7.3 Nash to Saeed Anwar, (noball) one run, down the leg side, easily
        glanced to the fine leg
   7.3 Nash to Wajahatullah, two runs, over the wicket to the right
        hander, driving thru the cover point
   7.4 Nash to Wajahatullah, FOUR, simple stuff for Wasti, Nash bowling
        complete rubbish, driving off the pads thru the mid wicket
   7.5 Nash to Wajahatullah, no run, defending
   7.6 Nash to Wajahatullah, one run

End of over 8 (9 runs) Pakistan 41/0 (RR: 5.12 RRR: 201/42 = 4.79)
DJ Nash 4-0-26-0 (1w 2nb) - Stretford End
Wajahatullah Wasti 16* (21b 3x4) Saeed Anwar 21* (30b 3x4)

   8.1 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run
   8.2 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run, dabbing into the covers with some
        defence
   8.3 Allott to Wajahatullah, FOUR, fantastic cover drive, playing across
        the line, thru the cover point
   8.4 Allott to Wajahatullah, FOUR, Allott coming around the wicket,
        getting desperate, and hammered thru the extra cover
   8.5 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run
   8.6 Allott to Wajahatullah, one run

End of over 9 (9 runs) Pakistan 50/0 (RR: 5.56 RRR: 192/41 = 4.68)
GI Allott 5-0-24-0 (1nb) - Warwick Road End
Wajahatullah Wasti 25* (27b 5x4) Saeed Anwar 21* (30b 3x4)

   9.1 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run, stepping back and pushing to the
        point fielder
   9.2 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run
   9.3 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run
   9.4 Larsen to Wajahatullah, two runs
   9.5 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run
   9.6 Larsen to Wajahatullah, one run

End of over 10 (3 runs) Pakistan 53/0 (RR: 5.30 RRR: 189/40 = 4.72)
GR Larsen 1-0-3-0 - Stretford End
Wajahatullah Wasti 28* (33b 5x4) Saeed Anwar 21* (30b 3x4)

  10.1 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run
  10.2 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run
  10.3 Cairns to Wajahatullah, one run
  10.4 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, legbye: one run
  10.5 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run, defending on the off side, played
        into the covers
  10.6 Cairns to Wajahatullah, (noball) no run, overstepping and Free
        Willey extends the arm
  10.6 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run

End of over 11 (3 runs) Pakistan 56/0 (RR: 5.09 RRR: 186/39 = 4.77)
CL Cairns 1-0-2-0 (1nb) - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 21* (31b 3x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 29* (39b 5x4)

  11.1 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, one run
  11.2 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run
  11.3 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run
  11.4 Larsen to Wajahatullah, one run
  11.5 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, one run, opens the face and glides it down
        to the 3rd man
  11.6 Larsen to Wajahatullah, one run, and chopped down thru the gully by
        the right hander

End of over 12 (4 runs) Pakistan 60/0 (RR: 5.00 RRR: 182/38 = 4.79)
GR Larsen 2-0-7-0 - Stretford End
Wajahatullah Wasti 31* (43b 5x4) Saeed Anwar 23* (33b 3x4)

  12.1 Cairns to Wajahatullah, (noball) one run, and another no ball by
        the tearaway speedster, pushed behind point
  12.1 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, no run, turned away to the square leg
  12.2 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, three runs, placing it perfectly, pushing
        thru the point and into the deep
  12.3 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run, defensive
  12.4 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run, defensive tap, finds the gap, but
        McMillan manages to pounce on it quick enough
  12.5 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run
  12.6 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run

End of over 13 (5 runs) Pakistan 65/0 (RR: 5.00 RRR: 177/37 = 4.78)
CL Cairns 2-0-7-0 (2nb) - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 26* (35b 3x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 32* (48b 5x4)

  13.1 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, one run
  13.2 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run, driving it square, to the point
        area
  13.3 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run, pitched up, some inswing there,
        poking it into the covers
  13.4 Larsen to Wajahatullah, one run, flicked away to the deep backward
        square
  13.5 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run, defending firmly down the wicket,
        Twose running around from the mid off
  13.6 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, two runs, glancing behind the square leg,
        played well, they get a double

End of over 14 (4 runs) Pakistan 69/0 (RR: 4.93 RRR: 173/36 = 4.81)
GR Larsen 3-0-11-0 - Stretford End
Wajahatullah Wasti 33* (51b 5x4) Saeed Anwar 29* (38b 3x4)

       the toothless New Zealand attack on display in all its glory
  14.1 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run
  14.2 Cairns to Wajahatullah, legbye: one run, flicked around the corner
        to the long leg, actually missed according to the umpire
  14.3 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, one run, jabbing at it, gliding it off the
        face to the 3rd man
  14.4 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run, short outside the off stump, Waja
        prodding the crossed bat at it, and missing by miles
  14.5 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run, defending down the pitch, back to
        the bowler
  14.6 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run, stretching forward, deflecting to
        the point fielder

End of over 15 (2 runs) Pakistan 71/0 (RR: 4.73 RRR: 171/35 = 4.89)
CL Cairns 3-0-8-0 (2nb) - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 30* (39b 3x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 33* (56b 5x4)

       fielding restrictions over, fat lot of good the compulsory catching
        fielders were for NZ
  15.1 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, one run, just picking the gap in the covers
        for the one
  15.2 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run, late cut, excellent fielding by
        Zinzan, diving at backward point, falling to his left
  15.3 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run
  15.4 Larsen to Wajahatullah, one run, turning it off the toes to allott
        at the long leg
  15.5 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run, misplaying the flick across the
        line, NZ almost look to have given up with Allott not getting any
        wickets
  15.6 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run, pushing away on the off side

End of over 16 (2 runs) Pakistan 73/0 (RR: 4.56 RRR: 169/34 = 4.97)
GR Larsen 4-0-13-0 - Stretford End
Wajahatullah Wasti 34* (59b 5x4) Saeed Anwar 31* (42b 3x4)

  16.1 Cairns to Wajahatullah, two runs, flicking it thru the mid wicket
        for a double
  16.2 Cairns to Wajahatullah, one run, stretching wide, defending direct
        to the point, but a single is scampered
  16.3 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, one run, around the wicket by Cairns, grabs
        the outside edge, but it falls safely and without fanfare, 3rd man
        fields
  16.4 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run
  16.5 Cairns to Wajahatullah, one run
  16.6 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, no run, and that should be drinks I dare say

End of over 17 (5 runs) Pakistan 78/0 (RR: 4.59 RRR: 164/33 = 4.97)
CL Cairns 4-0-13-0 (2nb) - Warwick Road End
Wajahatullah Wasti 38* (63b 5x4) Saeed Anwar 32* (44b 3x4)

  17.1 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run, and that should be drinks I dare
        say
  17.2 Larsen to Wajahatullah, one run, pushing it away to the point
  17.3 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, two runs, lofting high and long, but safe, 2
        fielders pounce on it at the long on
  17.4 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run
  17.5 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run
  17.6 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run, driving down the on side for no
        effect

End of over 18 (3 runs) Pakistan 81/0 (RR: 4.50 RRR: 161/32 = 5.03)
GR Larsen 5-0-16-0 - Stretford End
Wajahatullah Wasti 39* (65b 5x4) Saeed Anwar 34* (48b 3x4)

  18.1 Cairns to Wajahatullah, one run
  18.2 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, one run, and just another single, Anwar
        poking it behin dthe point area
  18.3 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run
  18.4 Cairns to Wajahatullah, one run
  18.5 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, one run, good drive on the on side, Allott
        dives and saves well at mid on
  18.6 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run, comes off the pad and to the square
        leg, batsman sort of beaten there

End of over 19 (4 runs) Pakistan 85/0 (RR: 4.47 RRR: 157/31 = 5.06)
CL Cairns 5-0-17-0 (2nb) - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 36* (50b 3x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 41* (69b 5x4)

  19.1 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run
  19.2 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run
  19.3 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run, working it off the off stump, turned
        direct to the mid wicket
  19.4 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, one run, flicks it across the line, to the
        forward square leg
  19.5 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run, tightly defence, outside the off
        stump, to the conventional cover
       and the guy in the green with no moustache is finally sitting down
        and acting sensible
  19.6 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run, and just the single off the over

End of over 20 (1 run) Pakistan 86/0 (RR: 4.30 RRR: 156/30 = 5.20)
GR Larsen 6-0-17-0 - Stretford End
Saeed Anwar 37* (54b 3x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 41* (71b 5x4)

       Harris on to bowl his right arm whatevers
  20.1 Harris to Saeed Anwar, no run, pushing away, to the gully
  20.2 Harris to Saeed Anwar, no run, playing and missing, going for a big
        tonk thru the covers, Parore muffs the take
  20.3 Harris to Saeed Anwar, one run, misplayed down the ground, towards
        the non striker
  20.4 Harris to Wajahatullah, one run, played late, comes to rest well
        short of the 3rd man
  20.5 Harris to Saeed Anwar, one run, stepping forward, mistimed drive
        down the off side to Cairns at long off
  20.6 Harris to Wajahatullah, one run, picking the gap in the covers,
        grabs a single

End of over 21 (4 runs) Pakistan 90/0 (RR: 4.29 RRR: 152/29 = 5.24)
CZ Harris 1-0-4-0 - Warwick Road End
Wajahatullah Wasti 43* (73b 5x4) Saeed Anwar 39* (58b 3x4)

  21.1 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run, Larsen and Harris in tandem,
        bowling does not get much more entertaining than this
  21.2 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run, chopped down the wicket and back to
        the bowler
  21.3 Larsen to Wajahatullah, one run, played late, gliding it down to
        the 3rd man
  21.4 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, FOUR, leaning on the back foot, lifting it
        way over the mid wicket and to the deep boundary
  21.5 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, one run
  21.6 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run, tucking it just short of the covers

End of over 22 (6 runs) Pakistan 96/0 (RR: 4.36 RRR: 146/28 = 5.21)
GR Larsen 7-0-23-0 - Stretford End
Saeed Anwar 44* (60b 4x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 44* (77b 5x4)

  22.1 Harris to Saeed Anwar, no run, around teh wicket to the left
        hander, cut outside the off stump, loose ball, but direct to the
        point
  22.2 Harris to Saeed Anwar, one run, driving down the gorund to Allott
        at the long on
  22.3 Harris to Wajahatullah, FOUR, cut shot, behind the point, 2 filders
        dive for it from opposite directions, the first fielder knocks it
        out of the way of the second fielder
       clap clap, the really captures the class of cricket that is to be
        expected from a World Cup semi final
  22.4 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run, no doubt appeared to have ruffled
        the few hairs of Harris's head as well
  22.5 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run
  22.6 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run

End of over 23 (5 runs) Pakistan 101/0 (RR: 4.39 RRR: 141/27 = 5.22)
CZ Harris 2-0-9-0 - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 45* (62b 4x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 48* (81b 6x4)

  23.1 Astle to Saeed Anwar, one run, dabbing at it, pushing just behind
        the point fielder
  23.2 Astle to Wajahatullah, one run, glancing easily, to the short fine
        leg
  23.3 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run
  23.4 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run, misplays a soft one down the wikcet,
        almost looked like a practice shot
  23.5 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run, worked onto the on side
  23.6 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run, plays and misses outside the off
        stump, ball is gratefully received by the keeper

End of over 24 (2 runs) Pakistan 103/0 (RR: 4.29 RRR: 139/26 = 5.35)
NJ Astle 1-0-2-0 - Stretford End
Wajahatullah Wasti 49* (82b 6x4) Saeed Anwar 46* (67b 4x4)

       fireworks going off for some unknown reason, perhaps in
        anticipation for Wasti's 50
  24.1 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run
  24.2 Harris to Wajahatullah, one run, thru the covers, and there it is,
        50 off 84 balls, 6x4 0x6
  24.3 Harris to Saeed Anwar, two runs, working it around the corner
       delay whilst the fireworks are left to finish
  24.4 Harris to Saeed Anwar, no run
  24.5 Harris to Saeed Anwar, one run
  24.6 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run, someone apepars to have snuck in a
        fireworks luncher, bravo to the Old Trafford security

End of over 25 (4 runs) Pakistan 107/0 (RR: 4.28 RRR: 135/25 = 5.40)
CZ Harris 3-0-13-0 - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 49* (70b 4x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 50* (85b 6x4)

  25.1 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run
  25.2 Astle to Saeed Anwar, two runs, and there's the second 50 of the
        day, off 72 balls, 4x4 0x6
  25.3 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run
  25.4 Astle to Saeed Anwar, FOUR, thru the extra cover for the boundary,
        excellent stroke full of power, timing and many other cliches
  25.5 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run
  25.6 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run, lets just call this match off now, NZ
        have proved lamer than anyone was expecting during the lunch break

End of over 26 (6 runs) Pakistan 113/0 (RR: 4.35 RRR: 129/24 = 5.38)
NJ Astle 2-0-8-0 - Stretford End
Wajahatullah Wasti 50* (85b 6x4) Saeed Anwar 55* (76b 5x4)

  26.1 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run, small little effortless sweep, no
        effortless he didn't bother to move the bat
  26.2 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run
  26.3 Harris to Wajahatullah, one run, poked away the on side
  26.4 Harris to Saeed Anwar, one run, drving down the on side for a
        single
  26.5 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run, pushed back to the bowler
  26.6 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run, and what a surprise, another over
        of survival by Pakistan against this brutal brutal bowling

End of over 27 (2 runs) Pakistan 115/0 (RR: 4.26 RRR: 127/23 = 5.52)
CZ Harris 4-0-15-0 - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 56* (77b 5x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 51* (90b 6x4)

       sun is shining at Manchester, which means plenty of delays whilst
        windows and the line get adjusted because of relfections
  27.1 Astle to Saeed Anwar, one run
  27.2 Astle to Wajahatullah, no run, swinging the bat onto the on side,
        fielded at about wide mid on
  27.3 Astle to Wajahatullah, no run, driving away to the mid off this
        time
  27.4 Astle to Wajahatullah, no run, defended onto the off side, nothing
        much happening there
  27.5 Astle to Wajahatullah, one run, tediously played down to the long
        off fielder
  27.6 Astle to Saeed Anwar, one run, defends in front of the point
        fielder for another single

End of over 28 (3 runs) Pakistan 118/0 (RR: 4.21 RRR: 124/22 = 5.64)
NJ Astle 3-0-11-0 - Stretford End
Saeed Anwar 58* (79b 5x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 52* (94b 6x4)

       Allott brought back finally, but I think I can see a bolting horse
        disappearing over the horizon
  28.1 Allott to Saeed Anwar, one run, stepping onto the back foot,
        deflecting it behind the point fielder
  28.2 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run, driving off the stumps, Fleming
        gathers at the mid off
  28.3 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run, good yorker, played late, but safe,
        Cairns is the mid on fielder
  28.4 Allott to Wajahatullah, one run
  28.5 Allott to Saeed Anwar, no run, pushed to point where Harris fields
  28.6 Allott to Saeed Anwar, two runs

End of over 29 (4 runs) Pakistan 122/0 (RR: 4.21 RRR: 120/21 = 5.71)
GI Allott 6-0-28-0 (1nb) - Warwick Road End
Wajahatullah Wasti 53* (97b 6x4) Saeed Anwar 61* (82b 5x4)

  29.1 Harris to Wajahatullah, one run, swept behind the square leg for a
        single
  29.2 Harris to Saeed Anwar, one run
  29.3 Harris to Wajahatullah, SIX, heaved high over the mid wicket, lands
        over the rope for a very handy 6
       handy especially for those willing this match to its finish
  29.4 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run
  29.5 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run
  29.6 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run

End of over 30 (8 runs) Pakistan 130/0 (RR: 4.33 RRR: 112/20 = 5.60)
CZ Harris 5-0-23-0 - Stretford End
Saeed Anwar 62* (83b 5x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 60* (102b 6x4 1x6)

  30.1 Allott to Saeed Anwar, one run
  30.2 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run
  30.3 Allott to Wajahatullah, one run, dabbing outside the off stump,
        gliding it down to the 3rd man, could do that all day
  30.4 Allott to Saeed Anwar, one run, tucking it off the hip, played
        forward of the square leg
  30.5 Allott to Wajahatullah, no run, defends off the leg side, played
        down the wicket back to the bowler
  30.6 Allott to Wajahatullah, one run, glances easily off the pads, ball
        runs down to the long leg

End of over 31 (4 runs) Pakistan 134/0 (RR: 4.32 RRR: 108/19 = 5.68)
GI Allott 7-0-32-0 (1nb) - Warwick Road End
Wajahatullah Wasti 62* (106b 6x4 1x6) Saeed Anwar 64* (85b 5x4)

       Rolf Harris to continue
  31.1 Harris to Wajahatullah, FOUR, 'that's a big one, it's into the
        crowd' according to the TV commentators, in reality it just
        manages to trickle over the boundary
  31.2 Harris to Wajahatullah, one run
  31.3 Harris to Saeed Anwar, two runs
  31.4 Harris to Saeed Anwar, no run
  31.5 Harris to Saeed Anwar, one run, swinging it around the corner
  31.6 Harris to Wajahatullah, no run, batsman now 67* each, there's
        something interesting

End of over 32 (8 runs) Pakistan 142/0 (RR: 4.44 RRR: 100/18 = 5.56)
CZ Harris 6-0-31-0 - Stretford End
Saeed Anwar 67* (88b 5x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 67* (109b 7x4 1x6)

  32.1 Allott to Saeed Anwar, no run, defends down the wicket back to the
        bowler
  32.2 Allott to Saeed Anwar, wide: no run, down the leg side, NZ used all
        their good balls up earlier in the tournament it seems
  32.2 Allott to Saeed Anwar, two runs, hacked down the on side, they grab
        a double from a piece of poor timing
  32.3 Allott to Saeed Anwar, no run
  32.4 Allott to Saeed Anwar, FOUR, cracking on drive, plays thru the mid
        wicket, McMillan huffs and puffs and huffs and puffs and then
        dives, and the ball runs over the rope
  32.5 Allott to Saeed Anwar, legbye: one run, crowd go berserk for the
        150, and that funny chap with the white beard egts his ugly mug on
        TV again, I'm starting if there's more than 1 of him
  32.6 Allott to Wajahatullah, one run

End of over 33 (9 runs) Pakistan 151/0 (RR: 4.58 RRR: 91/17 = 5.35)
GI Allott 8-0-40-0 (1w 1nb) - Warwick Road End
Wajahatullah Wasti 68* (110b 7x4 1x6) Saeed Anwar 73* (93b 6x4)

       grand larceny on to apply his trade
  33.1 Larsen to Wajahatullah, one run
  33.2 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run
  33.3 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, two runs, in the air, it could be out, of
        course not, landing completely safely behind the covers
  33.4 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run, we need some inspiration from the
        illustrious captain, time to bring himself on
  33.5 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run
  33.6 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, one run, pushing thru the covers for a
        single

End of over 34 (4 runs) Pakistan 155/0 (RR: 4.56 RRR: 87/16 = 5.44)
GR Larsen 8-0-27-0 - Stretford End
Saeed Anwar 76* (98b 6x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 69* (111b 7x4 1x6)

       it's the human rolling pin, Craig McMillan on to teach Shoaib a
        thing or two about pace bowling
  34.1 McMillan to Saeed Anwar, no run
  34.2 McMillan to Saeed Anwar, no run, dabbed abck down the wicket to the
        bowler
  34.3 McMillan to Saeed Anwar, no run, playing and missing outside the
        off stump, it actually beat him
  34.4 McMillan to Saeed Anwar, FOUR, lofting over the square leg umpire,
        there was a deep fielding, but the ball was too direct and too low
  34.5 McMillan to Saeed Anwar, no run
  34.6 McMillan to Saeed Anwar, FOUR, driving thru the covers, Horne has
        it covered, until that is, he has to dive and field the thing,
        ball runs over the boundary

End of over 35 (8 runs) Pakistan 163/0 (RR: 4.66 RRR: 79/15 = 5.27)
CD McMillan 1-0-8-0 - Warwick Road End
Wajahatullah Wasti 69* (111b 7x4 1x6) Saeed Anwar 84* (104b 8x4)

       NZ will consider it a victory just to take a wicket

Match State: Drinks

  35.1 Larsen to Wajahatullah, one run
  35.2 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run, and thru to the keeper, maybe NZ
        will consider that a victory
  35.3 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, (noball) no run, coming around the wicket,
        quite hopeless really
  35.3 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run, turned away to the mid wicket
  35.4 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, no run
  35.5 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, one run
  35.6 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run

End of over 36 (3 runs) Pakistan 166/0 (RR: 4.61 RRR: 76/14 = 5.43)
GR Larsen 9-0-30-0 (1nb) - Stretford End
Saeed Anwar 85* (109b 8x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 70* (113b 7x4 1x6)

  36.1 McMillan to Saeed Anwar, no run, jammed away from outside the off
        stump into the covers
  36.2 McMillan to Saeed Anwar, one run, thru point
  36.3 McMillan to Wajahatullah, FOUR, cover drive and there's another
        boundary, commanding performance by NZ
  36.4 McMillan to Wajahatullah, one run
  36.5 McMillan to Saeed Anwar, no run
  36.6 McMillan to Saeed Anwar, wide: two runs, down the leg side, Parore
        misses it as well
  36.6 McMillan to Saeed Anwar, two runs, glancing it down to the long
        leg, another couple

End of over 37 (11 runs) Pakistan 177/0 (RR: 4.78 RRR: 65/13 = 5.00)
CD McMillan 2-0-19-0 (1w) - Warwick Road End
Wajahatullah Wasti 75* (115b 8x4 1x6) Saeed Anwar 88* (113b 8x4)

  37.1 Larsen to Wajahatullah, FOUR, the smell of roast kiwi drifts thru
        the air, cracking drive thru the mid wicket
  37.2 Larsen to Wajahatullah, FOUR, there's the action replay, same shot,
        same position, same nightmare for NZ
  37.3 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run
  37.4 Larsen to Wajahatullah, one run
  37.5 Larsen to Saeed Anwar, one run, turning it off the pads and down
        the leg side, that makes this the highest opening partnership in
        World Cup history
  37.6 Larsen to Wajahatullah, no run

End of over 38 (10 runs) Pakistan 187/0 (RR: 4.92 RRR: 55/12 = 4.58)
GR Larsen 10-0-40-0 (1nb) - Stretford End
Saeed Anwar 89* (114b 8x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 84* (120b 10x4 1x6)

  38.1 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, two runs, flicking it around the corner,
        into the deep, McMillan is the fielder
  38.2 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, no run, direct to the mid wicket
  38.3 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, no run, half hearted cut shot, direct to
        Rolf at point
  38.4 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, no run
  38.5 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, one run, gliding the ball down to the 3rd
        man once again
  38.6 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run

End of over 39 (3 runs) Pakistan 190/0 (RR: 4.87 RRR: 52/11 = 4.73)
CL Cairns 6-0-20-0 (2nb) - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 92* (119b 8x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 84* (121b 10x4 1x6)

  39.1 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run, Astle on to speed up the conclusion
        of this match
  39.2 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run
  39.3 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run, poked back down the wicket
  39.4 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run, nothing much happening there
  39.5 Astle to Saeed Anwar, two runs, dragging it around and into the
        deep
  39.6 Astle to Saeed Anwar, one run

End of over 40 (3 runs) Pakistan 193/0 (RR: 4.82 RRR: 49/10 = 4.90)
NJ Astle 4-0-14-0 - Stretford End
Saeed Anwar 95* (125b 8x4) Wajahatullah Wasti 84* (121b 10x4 1x6)

  40.1 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, one run, driving it into the covers
  40.2 Cairns to Wajahatullah, no run
  40.3 Cairns to Wajahatullah, OUT: a miracle has happened, NZ have taken
        a wicket, misplaying the drive, ball is skied, and Fleming safely
        collects it at mid off

       Pakistan 194/1, Partnership of 194
       Wajahatullah Wasti  c Fleming b Cairns  84 (123b 10x4 1x6)
       CL Cairns 6.3-0-21-1 (2nb) - Warwick Road End

       Wajatullah doesn't look half peeved either, with his ton so close
  40.4 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, two runs, playing it down behind the point
  40.5 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, no run, prodded onto the on side
  40.6 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, no run, Cairns coming around the wicket,
        Saeed hangs the bat out for some defence, zips past the outside
        edge, thru to the keeper, not the best of shots of 98*

End of over 41 (3 runs) Pakistan 196/1 (RR: 4.78 RRR: 46/9 = 5.11)
CL Cairns 7-0-23-1 (2nb) - Warwick Road End
Ijaz Ahmed 0* (0b) Saeed Anwar 98* (129b 8x4)

  41.1 Astle to Ijaz Ahmed, wide: no run, down the leg side, Parore
        collects in a puff of dust
  41.1 Astle to Ijaz Ahmed, no run, dabbed along the ground and back to
        the bowler
  41.2 Astle to Ijaz Ahmed, one run, turned around the corner, behind the
        square leg
  41.3 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run, big big swing and miss outside the
        off stump, thru to the keeper
  41.4 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run, Anwar not looking very rapt about
        this upcoming century
  41.5 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run, prodded into the covers
  41.6 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run, big swing and miss outside the off
        stump, that ends quite a good over of bowling, and quite a
        horrible over of batting

End of over 42 (2 runs) Pakistan 198/1 (RR: 4.71 RRR: 44/8 = 5.50)
NJ Astle 5-0-16-0 (1w) - Stretford End
Ijaz Ahmed 1* (2b) Saeed Anwar 98* (133b 8x4)

  42.1 Cairns to Ijaz Ahmed, no run
  42.2 Cairns to Ijaz Ahmed, FOUR, very good on drive, skates away to the
        boundary, Pkaistani fans begin spilling over the fence
  42.3 Cairns to Ijaz Ahmed, FOUR, glances down to the fine leg, I'm
        beginning to think NZ aren't going to win this
  42.4 Cairns to Ijaz Ahmed, no run, big horrible scary wafting cut shot,
        almost blew the umpire's hat off
  42.5 Cairns to Ijaz Ahmed, no run, getting a bit too excited, into the
        pads, ball rebounds down the pitch
  42.6 Cairns to Ijaz Ahmed, (noball) one run, driving in front of the
        square leg
  42.6 Cairns to Saeed Anwar, no run, defends direct to Dion in the
        covers, Fleming resisting giving him another go

End of over 43 (10 runs) Pakistan 208/1 (RR: 4.84 RRR: 34/7 = 4.86)
CL Cairns 8-0-33-1 (3nb) - Warwick Road End
Ijaz Ahmed 10* (8b 2x4) Saeed Anwar 98* (134b 8x4)

  43.1 Astle to Ijaz Ahmed, one run, turned around the corner
  43.2 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run, Saeed bogged on 98
  43.3 Astle to Saeed Anwar, one run, tapping it off the pads, just behind
        the square leg, 99*
  43.4 Astle to Ijaz Ahmed, SIX, one step down the pitch, and clears the
        long on rope, Saeed to going to run of time to get the 100 at the
        rate Ijaz is going
  43.5 Astle to Ijaz Ahmed, one run
  43.6 Astle to Saeed Anwar, one run, glides it down to the 3rd man, and
        there it is, 100 off 137 balls, 8x4 0x6

End of over 44 (10 runs) Pakistan 218/1 (RR: 4.95 RRR: 24/6 = 4.00)
NJ Astle 6-0-26-0 (1w) - Stretford End
Saeed Anwar 100* (137b 8x4) Ijaz Ahmed 18* (11b 2x4 1x6)

       2nd consecutive hundred and the 17th of his career
       Nash on, I'm sure Fleming knows what he's doing
  44.1 Nash to Saeed Anwar, wide: no run, way down the leg side, well at
        least he landed it on the pitch
  44.1 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run
  44.2 Nash to Saeed Anwar, two runs, around the wicket, playing across
        the line and off the toes, saved from being a boundary in the deep
  44.3 Nash to Saeed Anwar, no run
  44.4 Nash to Saeed Anwar, one run
  44.5 Nash to Ijaz Ahmed, FOUR, lifted over the mid wicket, Horne slides
        his bum alogn the rope, looks very comofrtable, then someone
        expect it not to be called 4, TV umpire adjudicates
  44.6 Nash to Ijaz Ahmed, no run

End of over 45 (8 runs) Pakistan 226/1 (RR: 5.02 RRR: 16/5 = 3.20)
DJ Nash 5-0-34-0 (2w 2nb) - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 103* (141b 8x4) Ijaz Ahmed 22* (13b 3x4 1x6)

  45.1 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run
  45.2 Astle to Saeed Anwar, two runs, lifting it over the covers, this
        match is approaching a raptuous climax
  45.3 Astle to Saeed Anwar, one run, I'm glued to the edge of my seat
  45.4 Astle to Ijaz Ahmed, no run
  45.5 Astle to Ijaz Ahmed, FOUR, typical horrid Ijaz shot, inside edge
        off an on drive, thru the keeper and to the fine leg boundary
  45.6 Astle to Ijaz Ahmed, two runs, and there's another few runs, we're
        nearly there

End of over 46 (9 runs) Pakistan 235/1 (RR: 5.11 RRR: 7/4 = 1.75)
NJ Astle 7-0-35-0 (1w) - Stretford End
Saeed Anwar 106* (144b 8x4) Ijaz Ahmed 28* (16b 4x4 1x6)

  46.1 Allott to Saeed Anwar, one run, Allott brought back, and not a
        moment too soon
  46.2 Allott to Ijaz Ahmed, no run, zipping it past the outside the edge,
        Ijaz dabbing some defence at it
  46.3 Allott to Ijaz Ahmed, no run, and again past the outside edge,
        Allott finally pulling his finger out
       people running onto the pitch for some unknown reason
       fans jumping over the fence, and squatting on the rope, security
        doesn't appear to give two hoots about it
       a big delay it will be, my crowd's overfloweth!
       I suspect there might be a pitch invasion at the conclusion of this
        match. Just call it a hunch.
       game won't be restarting until all the crowd are packed back into
        their tin
       this is fun
       finally, play is about to continue after a 9 minute delay. Most of
        the crowd simply stared blankly and ignore the request to get back
        into the stands
  46.4 Allott to Ijaz Ahmed, no run, moving away from the batsman and to
        the keeper
  46.5 Allott to Ijaz Ahmed, no run, defending down the wicket, back to
        the bowler
  46.6 Allott to Ijaz Ahmed, no run, another ripper of a ball, zips past
        the outside edge yet again, Allott may not get a chance to bowl
        another over

End of over 47 (1 run) Pakistan 236/1 (RR: 5.02 RRR: 6/3 = 2.00)
GI Allott 9-0-41-0 (1w 1nb) - Warwick Road End
Saeed Anwar 107* (145b 8x4) Ijaz Ahmed 28* (21b 4x4 1x6)

  47.1 Astle to Saeed Anwar, no run
  47.2 Astle to Saeed Anwar, FOUR, slogged over the bowler's head, 2 to
        win
  47.3 Astle to Saeed Anwar, two runs, edged in the air, Twose may get a
        catch at the long on, but no, the terrific fans, a credit to the
        human race, storm onto the field, Twose aborts going for the catch
        and instead seeks out some protection
       and as expected Pakistan qualify for the 1999 World Cup final, a
        commanding performance. New Zealand get to hang around for the
        encore 4-Test match series
       a huge crowd has gathered in front of the pavilion. Stay tuned and
        we'll have a summary of the presentations being fully drowned out
        by the crowd noise
       Ravi Shastri is the MC, and don't the crowd just love him
       Fleming gets a healthy boo as well. "we had a reasonable
        competitive total... Shoaib very quick... we thought we may have
        got them with the lack of pace (!).... we exceeded expectation for
        a lot of people [in terms of the tournament, not the match]"
       Wasim: "reaching the final of the world cup is a great
        achievemnt...", he doesn't care who he plays in the final
       Richie Benaud chooses Shoaib as the Man of the Match, not for his
        economy I assume. A pretty surprising choice over Saeed Anwar.
       and then there were 3. Tomorrow is the second semi final, Australia
        v South Africa from Birmingham. As usual, 0945 GMT. Good night.

Commentary by travis@cricinfo.com
help@cricinfo.com

Date-stamped : 16 Jun1999 - 19:04