New Zealand beat Pakistan by 7 runs

17th December, Dubai - New Zealand beat Pakistan by 7 runs to square the series 2-2 with one match to go on.

New Zealand scored 299/5 in 50 overs after winning the toss. Pakistan showed a goog fightback but ended the 50 overs with 7 runs short of the target.

Scorecard - Pakistan vs New Zealand

Quotes

Williamson (Man of the Match) - It was just about executing our plans that we had made before the game. We wanted to make partnerships so that we could post a good score on the board. This ground is so big that is difficult to defend and they did stretch us till the end but glad to have kept our nerves. There was an emphasis on each player performing their roles well and it is coming up nicely. It is important to focus for the decider and take this momentum forward to end the tour on a high. Pakistan kept coming at us with their batsmen like they have all series but we managed to get wickets at key moments.'

Afridi - Credit to the boys for putting their best foot forward considering the events that happened back home. I offer my extreme condolences to the families of those affected back home and pray to God to give them strength. Coming to the match, the total wasn't very tough and I feel our fielding cost some extra runs which was the difference in the end. Our top order is having a bit of issues but hopefully we can sort it out. I am trying to give myself more time these days and it is working. Hope I can continue it till the World Cup.