Rain washes out Pakistan’s plans

Taylor to lead New Zealand in the third ODI.

Rain spoilt the little fun Pakistan openers were having against New Zealand after the second One-Day International (ODI) was washed out with the hosts leading the series 1-0. Ahmed Shahzad smashed four boundaries and a six as Pakistan raced to 31 in 4.2 overs

New Zealand stuck with the plan to have James Franklin open the bowling but it did not pay off as Shahzad, playing his first international in 20 months, took control.

Ross Taylor will lead the side even though regular captain Daniel Vettori is included in the playing eleven. Luke Woodcock, the only uncapped player in New Zealand’s World Cup squad, has been included in the team for the third ODI.

Pakistan now need to win three of the remaining four ODIs to win the series.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27^th, 2011.