The second semi final of the Champions' trophy got over with the underdog Kiwis stunning the in-form Pakistan team!I was completely in suppport of the Kiwis from the start not because I am an Indian and I am anti-Pakistan in all fields but because I really appreciate the sportsman spirit of Kiwis and most importantly,two of my favorites-Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori are part of the team:)
Pakistan got off to a good start but wickets started falling regularly.Pakistan recovered well from 86/4 to put up a modest 233 on the scoreboard thanks to the 80 run partnership between Akmal and Md.Yousuf and Akmal's 55 off 62 balls based on which Pakistan's score was built.Ajmal was the most successful among bowlers with two for 39 in eight overs.
Grant Elliot's unbeaten half century inspired New Zealand to register a five wicket win over Pakistan and book their spot in the final opposite Australia.After the Kiwis struggled to 71 for three,Taylor and Elliot combined for a partnership of 55 runs before Taylor was bowled by Shahid Afridi for 38 off 61.Elliot then shared a 104 run stand with Vettori(41) before the fall of the fifth wicket.
Ian Butler proved to be the most successful with his four for 44 in 10 overs.Vettori took three for 43 in 10 overs to reach his 250th ODI wicket.
So an interesting match up lies between Australia and New Zealand.Hoping for Australia to lift the trophy!
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