Ruthless Pathan draws New Zealand blood

India win by five wickets to lead series 4-0.

Yusuf Pathan led India to a five-wicket win over New Zealand as the hosts clinched the fourth One-Day International (ODI) to lead the five-match series 4-0. Pathan, who also took three for 49 as New Zealand made a competitive 315 for seven, hit his first ODI century and remained unbeaten to lead India home with seven balls to spare in Bangalore.

Earlier, New Zealand were boosted by James Franklin’s whirlwind 98. Franklin hit 12 fours and three sixes in his 69-ball unbeaten knock and was supported well by Scott Styris (46) and Ross Taylor (44).

New Zealand, who were provided a flying start by Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum, took advantage of a toothless Indian attack as they raced to 62 in just the ninth over before Guptill fell to Ashish Nehra. However, it was Franklin who made India pay as he added 64 with Nathan McCullum as the tourists made 315.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2010.