New Zealand had impressed and surprised many with their terrific bowling displays against rivals Australia and hosts India in their two previous matches. Yet it was a terrific all round display that helped them see off Pakistan.
Guptill leads from the front
The New Zealand openers took the attack to the Pakistan bowlers, not resting on their laurels despite struggling to post big scores in the tournament so far. Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson were able to make 62, with the former leading the charge, before Mohammad Irfan eventually dismissed captain Williamson for 17 as he found the trusty hands of Shahid Afridi.
Colin Munro did not hang around long as he was dismissed for 7 by Afridi, but Corey Anderson soon picked up the reigns as he made 52 with Guptill. The opener eventually fell as he was dismissed by Mohammad Sami, but the damage had already been done with Guptill walking back to the dugout with 80 runs from 48 balls. Anderson went soon after as he was caught off Afridi for 21, as Pakistan looked to claw their way back into the match.
Yet Ross Taylor had other ideas as he hit 36 from 23, supported by Luke Ronchi who scored 11 before he was dismissed late on by Sami, the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with 2-23 from his four bowlers.
Tight bowling from New Zealand keeps Pakistan at bay
Chasing down 181 to win, the Pakistan openers gave them a real opportunity of winning the match. Sharjeel Khan was the aggressor whilst Ahmed Shehzad kept the scoreboard ticking over as they scored 65 for the first wicket partnership. Sharjeel was the man to go as Adam Milne caused him to be caught out by the man of the moment Guptill, departing for a nifty 47 off 25 balls.
For New Zealand that was the key wicket as they suffocated the Pakistan batters from forging a partnership. Khalid Latif went for just three to Mitchell Santner, shortly before the same bowler dismissed the dangerous Shehzad for 30, as Guptill took another catch.
With overs running out and the required rate rapidly increasing, Pakistan's hopes rested in the hands of Shahid Afridi. After a quick spell of big hits, Afridi soon departed for 19 from 9 as Ish Sodhi picked up his first wicket in a tidy bowling display. Umar Akmal had quietly gone about his business at the other end but struggled to get the ball away to the boundary rope, as Guptill took a third catch with Adam Milne picking up his second wicket. Shoaib Malik and Sarfraz Ahmed toiled away but it was too little too late as Pakistan fell comfortably short of their target. Another fine New Zealand bowling display saw five of their six bowlers finish with an economy below eight runs per over.