Umar Gul makes history in Twenty20 with 5/6

[Naveed Yaseen]

LONDON: Umar Gul became the first bowler to claim five wickets in Twenty20 internationals as Pakistan roared back into contention in the world championships on Saturday.

Needing a win to stay in the competition, Pakistan rode on seamer Gul’s amazing figures of five wickets for six runs in three overs to skittle New Zealand out for a paltry 99 in 18.3 overs at the Oval. With these figures, Gul becomes the most successful bowler in this form of the game, having taken 34 wickets in 18 matches.

Pakistan surpassed the modest target in 13.1 overs for the loss of four wickets to come back strongly after losing their opening Super Eights match to Sri Lanka by 19 runs on Friday.

Teenager Shahzaib Hasan hit four boundaries and two sixes in his maiden international match before he was run out for 35 off 28 balls.

Pakistan lost three wickets in eight balls to slip from 61-1 to 71-4, but Shahid Afridi lifted his team home with 29 not out.

Pakistan play Ireland next at the Oval on Monday, while New Zealand take on Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Tuesday. afp

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