(Headline to the tune of Styx's 'Haven't We Been Here Before')
New Zealand vs Pakistan 25/ 10/ 06
An almost text-book ODI with the better team on the day displaying all the required rebound efforts as if on cue. The early shock, the calm counter-attack, the strong flourish from the team batting first and then the timely popping off of the key opposing batsmen by the bowlers.
Another elegant Fleming knock, fine fiery stuff by Bond and some gumption by Yousuf and Malik but on the whole the game was a bit ho-hum.
On current form, yes Pakistan underperformed. On historic form, nothing new to write about here. Will NZ take the prize? Let's see the next game first:)