Akmal inspires Pakistan

Umar Akmal hit his maiden Twenty20 half-century to help Pakistan to a match-winning 153 for five in Dubai

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Umar Akmal hit a crucial half-century as Pakistan wrapped up the Twenty20 series 2-0 thanks to a seven-run victory over New Zealand in Dubai.

Akmal’s 56 off 49 balls - his maiden half-century at this level - proved crucial as Pakistan amassed 153 for five in the second match in as many days.

Brendon McCullum made 47 and Scott Styris gave the Black Caps hope with 43 off 33 deliveries but, despite hitting the first ball of the final over for six to leave them needing 12 off five balls, they fell narrowly short.

Though Akmal hit five fours and a six, he received scant support from his colleagues, with Kamran Akmal’s 26 the next highest contribution.

Ian Butler, who conceded 42 runs in three overs at the same venue yesterday, claimed 3-28 from four overs today to keep Pakistan in check.

Butler overcame the indignity of being hit for six by Imran Nazir in his first over by bowling the opener for 19. He also trapped Kamran Akmal lbw, but Shahid Afridi hit a rapid 22 to before lifting Nathan McCullum to Shane Bond at deep midwicket .

Shoaib Malik skied Butler to Styris, running in from deep extra cover, before Abdul Razzaq fell first ball to James Franklin.

Umar Akmal kept the scoreboard ticking over and Fawad Alam contributed a handy unbeaten 17 off 13 balls, including a six off Butler in the penultimate over.

Pakistan struck in the fourth over of New Zealand’s reply when Bradley-John Watling edged Sohail Tanvir behind, but Brendon McCullum hit 47 off 41 deliveries to keep New Zealand in the hunt.

Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor fell cheaply, but Brendon McCullum was ably assisted by Styris before he perished in the penultimate over to Saeed Ajmal.

New Zealand’s fate had been sealed by the time Styris was bowled by Umar Gul off the last ball of the match.