Rauf stars as spirited Pakistan down New Zealand

Pakistan underlined their credentials as early Twenty20 World Cup favorites when they held their nerve to beat New Zealand by five wickets in Sharjah on Tuesday and secure a second straight victory in the tournament.

Chasing a modest 135 for victory after pace bowler Haris Rauf choked out New Zealand with four wickets, Pakistan were in trouble at 69-4 but crossed the line in 18.4 overs for a fine start in their bid for a second championship.

Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 33 while Shoaib Malik, who was unbeaten on 26, and Asif Ali, unbeaten on 27, guided them home.

The Group II contest was played against the backdrop of bad blood between the sides after New Zealand abruptly abandoned a limited-overs tour of Pakistan last month citing a security alert. England followed suit in a double blow.

But Pakistan, on a high after beating arch-rivals India in their Super 12 stage opener, channeled any lingering anger as they restricted New Zealand to 134-8 as Rauf picked up 4-22.

The contest was evenly poised until the 16th over with Pakistan at 98-5 but Tim Southee conceded 13 runs in the next as Asif smashed two sixes to turn the game on its head.

Malik struck a six and a four off Mitchell Santner to ensure Pakistan could complete the job in style.

Skipper Babar Azam kept faith with the eleven that hammered India and his decision to bowl after winning the toss paid off as they restricted New Zealand to 42-1 in the powerplay.

New Zealand struggled to release the handbrake as Pakistan continued to apply pressure and Rauf took two wickets in three balls in the 18th over to ensure there were no late fireworks.

New Zealand opener Daryl Mitchell (27), skipper Kane Williamson (25) and Devon Conway (27) all got good starts but were unable to build on them.

Pakistan meet Afghanistan on Friday while New Zealand face a potentially tricky test against a wounded India two days later.

ARR