The Twenty20 series between New Zealand and Pakistan hangs in the balance ahead of the deciding third match in Wellington. The two sides are locked at 1-1 heading into Friday's third T20 game, but it is New Zealand who have all the momentum after Sunday's crushing 10-wicket win.
Martin Guptill (87) and Kane Williamson (72) put on a world-record stand of 171 — smashing 24 boundaries between them in the process — to easily overtake Pakistan's total of 168. The knock was a particularly important one for Guptill, who went for two in the first T20 after facing just three balls.
It was a tough night for the Pakistan bowling attack after they had done so well in the series opener. Wahab Riaz was taken for 30 runs off three overs, while Mohammad Amir (0-34 off three overs) had a particularly tough time of it.
Still, the Pakistan batsmen have given the tourists plenty to be hopeful about after two decent totals. Mohammad Hafeez has hit 61 and 19, while Umar Akmal has made 24 and an unbeaten 56.
If the tourists can find just a tad more consistency throughout the batting line-up, they could manage to set a score out of the sights of even Guptill and Williamson. That may prove easier said than done though with New Zealand's bowling attack, which has been led by Adam Milne (five wickets).
Beyond their openers, the hosts can also call upon the dependable Colin Munro at first drop after he made 56 in the first match.
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