Anderson was named Man of the Match for his spectacular all-round performance

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson smashed an unbeaten 82 and took two wickets to not only lead his side to a convincing 95-run win, but also a 2-1 series win.

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi would have been brooding over his decision to bowl first as New Zealand opener Martin Guptill and captain Kane Williamson amassed a 57-run partnership before Guptill was dismissed for a 19-ball 42.

Colin Munro and Williamson fell shortly after for four and 33 respectively before Anderson took over and battered Pakistan’s bowling attack all over the place.

Anderson ended up making 82 off 42 balls, which included six boundaries and four sixes, as New Zealand finished on 196/5 off their 20 overs.

Wahab Riaz was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Afridi chipped in with one.

Chasing 197 to win, Pakistan wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed was the only batsman to make a major contribution with the bat as he scored 41 off 36 balls, which included five boundaries.

With Shoaib Malik being the only other player to reach double figures, Pakistan ended up falling well short of their target as they were bowled out for 101.

Adam Milne and Grant Elliott took three wickets apiece, while Anderson snapped up two and Trent Boult claimed one.

Afridi was gutted to have lost, and said: “First of all I want to congratulate the New Zealand team. Obviously, if your first six batsmen are in the dressing room in five overs, what do you expect? My performance always plays a key role. Bowling is fine, but I need to score runs. I love to come back here as a commentator (chuckles). Thanks to the New Zealand crowd.”

Williamson was thrilled to have won the series, and said: “Every game was tough. They beat us big in the first. We won the last two. Credit to our boys for stepping up in the last two games. The batting effort was a great one. We knew we had to be aggressive with the ball. There was some improvement from the previous match. We know the T20 World Cup will be different conditions. We will have to be smart again.”

Anderson was named Man of the Match, and said: “It was nice to get some runs finally and get back to international cricket. (When asked about opening the bowling) Not too bad, it has been nice.”