Mahmood took five for 24 to help Auckland restrict Hampshire to a paltry 121 for eight before, coming in at number three, hitting a whirlwind 55 as his side overhauled the target in the 15th over.
But it was his performance with the ball that helped the New Zealand outfit win as he put the brakes on the scoring with regular strikes.
He dismissed opener James Vince and Jimmy Adams in the same over before claiming the prized scalp of Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi in his next. Afridi, who had a poor World Twenty20, was dismissed for another duck as his woeful form continued.
Mahmood then added the wickets of Liam Dawson and captain Dimitri Mascarenhas to finish with a five-wicket haul. Michael Carberry was the only batsman offering any resistance as he made a run-a-ball 65.
In reply, Lou Vincent and Martin Guptill gave their side a flying start, reaching 49 in the sixth over before Chris Wood got the wicket of the former.
Afridi took the wicket of Guptill but Mahmood ensured there were no further hiccups as he hit four sixes and five boundaries in his 34-ball knock.
Sialkot Stallions, the other team in the group and making their first Champions League appearance, were knocked out of the qualification race.
Mahmood, named man of the match, was pleased with his performance. “This is a good start,” said the all-rounder. “I’m having a great time with Auckland. They are a great bunch of guys, both on and off the field. I’m very happy with my performance and just need to work on a few things.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 11th, 2012.
COMMENTS (6)
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@JJ: @Much Amused: I agree with you both. With this kind of injustices I do not blame the player to obtain a new citizenship for his career. One has to live and make an honest living which is not possible for many in Pakistan. Too much waste of talent and brain drain from Pakistan! Cheers, Mirza
@JJ: @Mirza: Dear,Where he is playing there is no “POLITICS”he is playing on “MERIT” not on “SOURCES” or PRESSURE”* I think u understand.
Plus he is British national i.e. dual nationality holder. Therefore under current Pakistani rules he cannot hold office (I mean play) in Pak team. LOL.
Shoaib Malik is playing bcoz of Firdos Ashiq Awan and Sania Mirza's visit to PM house
It's a pitty Pakistani team doesn't have Azhar but has players like Malik, Arafat and Tanvir in the team. It really shows what a lost cause PCB has become.
@Mirza: Dear,Where he is playing there is no "POLITICS"he is playing on "MERIT" not on "SOURCES" or PRESSURE"* I think u understand.
When Azhar is performing at this level both with the bat and the ball, why have we kept him out of the team? Is his performance worse than that of Afridi who was also playing in this game? Why would we not replace S. Malik with this great all rounder?