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Pakistan on Thursday once again confirmed that they are the most unpredictable cricket team with as much potential as the best of sides. Their performance in the second match against New Zealand was in sharp contrast to the one two days earlier on this very ground.

They dominated New Zealand, a side which itself is buoyed after its recent performance against England, in all department, especially with the bat.

Shahid Afridi batted much more sensibly than against Sri Lanka and Imran Nazir played with a sense of responsibility, knowing well that a failure in this tournament may well herald the end of his career.

His only mistake was trying to cut an outgoing delivery very fine between the keeper and slips which proved curtains for him. But after two innings here, Imran has certainly proved the PCB and its selectors wrong and that the decision to keep him out for almost a year was unfair.

Inzamam-ul-Haq's innings of 68 (his 61st half century in ODIs) that helped Pakistan reach 288, was not the best of his performances. Somehow he was struggling throughout the innings and was never able to time his strokes. He will be required to do better in the next two matches.

Comparatively, Younis Khan's knock was better. He looked more confident on Thursday and the reason may be that he is more comfortable at number 6 position than number 3. On the other hand Abdul Razzaq disappointed with the bat as well the ball.

New Zealand were handicapped due to the absence of skipper Stephen Fleming who injured his small finger during Sri Lanka's innings and had to sit back. Craig McMillan entrusted to lead the side.

Notwithstanding the lean season Fleming is passing through, he is one of the best leaders today. He is a better planner and always comes to a match with well thought strategy. Good that the injury is not serious and he is likely to lead his side on Sunday.

© Dawn