Sunday, February 27, 2011
Yuvraj's Comeback in World Cup XI
Yuvraj made a phenomenon come back in World Cup XI by scoring 58 runs. It is a welcome sign for team India. England has a target of 339 runs to win the match.
Sachin's Ton at Bangalore
Sachin scored a brilliant 120 runs at Bangalore. He played a vital role for the Team India and amongst the leading run scorer in World Cup XI.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
South Africa, West Indies set for cricket clash
South Africa will bank on their recent form and fitness of key player Jacques Kallis when they take on an upredictable West Indies in their opening World Cup clash.
The South Africans enter this Group B match on the back of 11 consecutive one-day wins against Ottis Gibson's side and a 3-2 series victory over India at home.
With Kallis declaring himself fully fit and ready to resume his all-round duties, South Africa appear a formidable side.
But what Grame Smith's men should avoid is trying too hard to prove that they have left behind the baggage of their past and were capable of delivering the goods in crunch situations.
The South Africans have perplexed their fans, showing an ability to play top-notch cricket but still leaving them waiting for a first World Cup.
South Africa's failure to qualify for the second round at home in 2003 cost Shaun Pollock the captaincy and his successor, Smith, led a largely lacklustre campaign in the West Indies in 2007.
Although South Africa reached the semi-finals for the third time, it was no surprise when they were beaten by a strong Australian team.
"A lot is made in the media about the choker thing," said Kallis, playing his fifth World Cup.
"We don't even think about it. I think the media uses this tag far too often, in fact every time the team loses a match.
"They should go and look up the meaning of chokers in the dictionary first. This tag does not haunt us. Eleven of our 15 players will be playing their first World Cup so it's not something we are even thinking about."
The Proteas also boast a surprise weapon in Pakistan-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who gave a good account of himself in the practice matches.
The West Indies will have their work cut out against their in-form opponents brimming with quality batsmen and bowlers.
With two of their first-choice players ruled out due to injuries, the Caribbean side will look to the experienced members of the squad to inspire them to an upset win.
If the attacking Chris Gayle can give the side a flying start, it will make the job of Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan down the order a lot easier.
"The key is to get a good start," said Gayle. "We are playing one of the favourites in South Africa and they are a top quality side in both batting and bowling.
"We have to be on top of our game and capitalise on opportunities. They are beatable."
Gayle's confidence likely stems from West Indies' record against South Africa on the big stage. The West Indies shocked South Africa in the 1996 World Cup quarter-finals and have done so twice in the Champions Trophy.
The day-night match will be played at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground, hosting its first international after being banned in 2009 for producing a dangerous pitch during an India-Sri Lanka one-dayer.
The South Africans enter this Group B match on the back of 11 consecutive one-day wins against Ottis Gibson's side and a 3-2 series victory over India at home.
With Kallis declaring himself fully fit and ready to resume his all-round duties, South Africa appear a formidable side.
But what Grame Smith's men should avoid is trying too hard to prove that they have left behind the baggage of their past and were capable of delivering the goods in crunch situations.
The South Africans have perplexed their fans, showing an ability to play top-notch cricket but still leaving them waiting for a first World Cup.
South Africa's failure to qualify for the second round at home in 2003 cost Shaun Pollock the captaincy and his successor, Smith, led a largely lacklustre campaign in the West Indies in 2007.
Although South Africa reached the semi-finals for the third time, it was no surprise when they were beaten by a strong Australian team.
"A lot is made in the media about the choker thing," said Kallis, playing his fifth World Cup.
"We don't even think about it. I think the media uses this tag far too often, in fact every time the team loses a match.
"They should go and look up the meaning of chokers in the dictionary first. This tag does not haunt us. Eleven of our 15 players will be playing their first World Cup so it's not something we are even thinking about."
The Proteas also boast a surprise weapon in Pakistan-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who gave a good account of himself in the practice matches.
The West Indies will have their work cut out against their in-form opponents brimming with quality batsmen and bowlers.
With two of their first-choice players ruled out due to injuries, the Caribbean side will look to the experienced members of the squad to inspire them to an upset win.
If the attacking Chris Gayle can give the side a flying start, it will make the job of Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan down the order a lot easier.
"The key is to get a good start," said Gayle. "We are playing one of the favourites in South Africa and they are a top quality side in both batting and bowling.
"We have to be on top of our game and capitalise on opportunities. They are beatable."
Gayle's confidence likely stems from West Indies' record against South Africa on the big stage. The West Indies shocked South Africa in the 1996 World Cup quarter-finals and have done so twice in the Champions Trophy.
The day-night match will be played at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground, hosting its first international after being banned in 2009 for producing a dangerous pitch during an India-Sri Lanka one-dayer.
Kotla ground faces tough World Cup test
New Delhi's historic Feroz Shah Kotla ground will come under scrutiny when it hosts a high-profile World Cup match between South Africa and the West Indies after an international ban.
The ground was banned from hosting international matches in December 2009 when a one day international between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned after just 23.3 overs due to the "dangerous" nature of the playing surface.
It has hosted Indian Premier League matches since but with no World Cup warm-up game at the stadium, it is unclear how the pitch will behave.
Star South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis said he was not losing sleep over the track for their opening Group B encounter at the stadium, named after the 14th-century Mughal emperor of Delhi, Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
"I haven't had a look at the wicket. I have seen it during the IPL and it wasn't too bad.
"Probably it's not going to be a 300-350 wicket. We do have the balance in the team that can play on any type of wicket."
Local cricket officials appeared determined to avoid a repeat of the 2009 embarrassment and have been going the extra mile to ensure the track comes up to scratch.
"I am not overly concerned but I will be able to sleep peacefully only after Thursday," said Delhi and District Cricket Association vice-president Chetan Chauhan.
"We did not lose (out) much on cricket, but the stigma of having been banned was tough to come to terms with. We have worked hard on the wicket and I am sure we will pull it off without any glitches," added the former India Test opener.
International Cricket Council pitch consultant Andy Atkinson has also been in New Delhi since last Friday.
"Yeah, the pitch preparation is my responsibility," Atkinson told the Mail Today newspaper.
"I am sure it will behave well this time. I am here till February 28 to see the second match (between the West Indies and Holland) through."
Atkinson's efforts took a slight knock with unseasonal rains in New Delhi but he is pleased to see the sun shining again.
"The sun is out but it's like lacking the warmth. I wish it shines brightly because it is winter and the grass doesn't grow here in winter."
The ground was banned from hosting international matches in December 2009 when a one day international between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned after just 23.3 overs due to the "dangerous" nature of the playing surface.
It has hosted Indian Premier League matches since but with no World Cup warm-up game at the stadium, it is unclear how the pitch will behave.
Star South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis said he was not losing sleep over the track for their opening Group B encounter at the stadium, named after the 14th-century Mughal emperor of Delhi, Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
"I haven't had a look at the wicket. I have seen it during the IPL and it wasn't too bad.
"Probably it's not going to be a 300-350 wicket. We do have the balance in the team that can play on any type of wicket."
Local cricket officials appeared determined to avoid a repeat of the 2009 embarrassment and have been going the extra mile to ensure the track comes up to scratch.
"I am not overly concerned but I will be able to sleep peacefully only after Thursday," said Delhi and District Cricket Association vice-president Chetan Chauhan.
"We did not lose (out) much on cricket, but the stigma of having been banned was tough to come to terms with. We have worked hard on the wicket and I am sure we will pull it off without any glitches," added the former India Test opener.
International Cricket Council pitch consultant Andy Atkinson has also been in New Delhi since last Friday.
"Yeah, the pitch preparation is my responsibility," Atkinson told the Mail Today newspaper.
"I am sure it will behave well this time. I am here till February 28 to see the second match (between the West Indies and Holland) through."
Atkinson's efforts took a slight knock with unseasonal rains in New Delhi but he is pleased to see the sun shining again.
"The sun is out but it's like lacking the warmth. I wish it shines brightly because it is winter and the grass doesn't grow here in winter."
Ponting criticized for breaking TV
Australia skipper Ricky Ponting apologised for smashing an LCD screen in the team's dressing room following his run out in the ICC World Cup 2011 opener against Zimbabwe, but his behaviour came under severe criticism from former cricketers.
The incident took place immediately after Ponting was run out by a direct hit from the deep by Zimbabwe's Chris Mpofu in the Group A clash between the two teams.
An agitated Ponting was seen talking angrily to himself as he walked back to the dressing room and, in a state of fury, threw his gear, which accidentally hit the LCD monitor.
Ponting, Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) officials claimed, immediately apologised and requested the authorities for a replacement, said the Australian team's media manager Lachy Paterson.
While Ponting is unlikely to face any disciplinary action if an ICC source is to be believed, his action didn't go down well with the cricketing fraternity.
"The dressing room is supposed to be sacrosanct so I am a little bit disappointed. That sort of behaviour ... you don't want to hear about during a World Cup. You want to hear about Ricky Ponting making a 100, not messing up in the dressing room," said South Africa great Barry Richards.
"But one thing is obvious that there is a lot of pressure on him to try and win the World Cup," added Richards.
Former India cricketer Arun Lal was scathing in his criticism of Ponting.
"It's awful. If you are disappointed, there is no reason to turn violent. You are disappointed, you made a mistake, an error of judgement. Everybody is disappointed but how does that mean that you come and throw your kit."
"It's too childish, grow up, for God's sake. You are playing the World Cup, you are an idol for the next generation," said Lal.
"It's unfortunate, it's a bit of an accident. I have played with a lot of international cricketers, there is frustration but, as Barry said, the dressing room is sacrosanct," said former England batsman Graeme Hick.
This is not the first time an Australian cricketer has been involved in breaching the ICC's code of conduct in the dressing room.
Former opener Matthew Hayden was fined and severely reprimanded after an ugly incident in which he was charged with breaking the glass panel in the dressing room following an lbw dismissal in the fifth Ashes Test against England at the SCG in 2003.
Thanks to his previously clean record, Hayden was let off with a fine of 20 per cent of his match fee.
The incident took place immediately after Ponting was run out by a direct hit from the deep by Zimbabwe's Chris Mpofu in the Group A clash between the two teams.
An agitated Ponting was seen talking angrily to himself as he walked back to the dressing room and, in a state of fury, threw his gear, which accidentally hit the LCD monitor.
Ponting, Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) officials claimed, immediately apologised and requested the authorities for a replacement, said the Australian team's media manager Lachy Paterson.
While Ponting is unlikely to face any disciplinary action if an ICC source is to be believed, his action didn't go down well with the cricketing fraternity.
"The dressing room is supposed to be sacrosanct so I am a little bit disappointed. That sort of behaviour ... you don't want to hear about during a World Cup. You want to hear about Ricky Ponting making a 100, not messing up in the dressing room," said South Africa great Barry Richards.
"But one thing is obvious that there is a lot of pressure on him to try and win the World Cup," added Richards.
Former India cricketer Arun Lal was scathing in his criticism of Ponting.
"It's awful. If you are disappointed, there is no reason to turn violent. You are disappointed, you made a mistake, an error of judgement. Everybody is disappointed but how does that mean that you come and throw your kit."
"It's too childish, grow up, for God's sake. You are playing the World Cup, you are an idol for the next generation," said Lal.
"It's unfortunate, it's a bit of an accident. I have played with a lot of international cricketers, there is frustration but, as Barry said, the dressing room is sacrosanct," said former England batsman Graeme Hick.
This is not the first time an Australian cricketer has been involved in breaching the ICC's code of conduct in the dressing room.
Former opener Matthew Hayden was fined and severely reprimanded after an ugly incident in which he was charged with breaking the glass panel in the dressing room following an lbw dismissal in the fifth Ashes Test against England at the SCG in 2003.
Thanks to his previously clean record, Hayden was let off with a fine of 20 per cent of his match fee.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Srilanka's Massive Win Over Canada
Sri Lanka beat Canada by 210 runs in the opening game of the Cricket World Cup 2011 in the country's southern district of Hambantota on Sunday.
Sri Lanka after posting seven for 332 bowled Canada out for 122 in the 37th of the allotted 50 overs.
Canada chasing the host's mammoth total under flood lights lost wickets at regular intervals.
Only three Canadians reached double figures as the visitors reeled under the sheer weight of the Sri Lankan tally.
Rizwan Cheema was the only Canadian batsman to show a fight by making 37 off 35 balls.
He hit two towering sixes off Muttiah Muralitharan. Captain Ashish Bagai with 22 and Harvir Baidwan with 16 not out were the only others to reach double figures.
Thisara Perera who triggered the Canadian slump and his fellow opening bowler Nuwan Kulasekera
Sri Lanka after posting seven for 332 bowled Canada out for 122 in the 37th of the allotted 50 overs.
Canada chasing the host's mammoth total under flood lights lost wickets at regular intervals.
Only three Canadians reached double figures as the visitors reeled under the sheer weight of the Sri Lankan tally.
Rizwan Cheema was the only Canadian batsman to show a fight by making 37 off 35 balls.
He hit two towering sixes off Muttiah Muralitharan. Captain Ashish Bagai with 22 and Harvir Baidwan with 16 not out were the only others to reach double figures.
Thisara Perera who triggered the Canadian slump and his fellow opening bowler Nuwan Kulasekera
India Defeats Bangladeshi Tigers At their Homepitch
India scores overs Bangaldesh avenging the lose of last worldcup. Virendar Sehwag brilliantly-crafted innings of 175 on virtually one leg, as Team India buried Bangladesh under a deluge of runs in the opening match of the 2011 World Cup at the Shere-e-Bangla National Stadium here on Saturday.
Put into bat by Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, the Indian innings was powered by the flamboyant Sehwag and a wonderfully-paced unbeaten century by young Virat Kohli. Bangladesh, left with a mountain to climb after India finished with 370 for four, made a bold attempt to chase down the target, but went down fighting by 87 runs.
Tamim Iqbal (70), Imrul Kayes (34), Junaid Siddique (37) and Shakib (55) kept Bangladhttp://images.theage.com.au/2011/02/20/2193598/svSEHWAG-420x0.jpg
esh in the game till the half-way stage, but the 'Tigers', who had too much to do, kept falling behind the asking rate before fading out.
Put into bat by Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, the Indian innings was powered by the flamboyant Sehwag and a wonderfully-paced unbeaten century by young Virat Kohli. Bangladesh, left with a mountain to climb after India finished with 370 for four, made a bold attempt to chase down the target, but went down fighting by 87 runs.
Tamim Iqbal (70), Imrul Kayes (34), Junaid Siddique (37) and Shakib (55) kept Bangladhttp://images.theage.com.au/2011/02/20/2193598/svSEHWAG-420x0.jpg
esh in the game till the half-way stage, but the 'Tigers', who had too much to do, kept falling behind the asking rate before fading out.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Upcoming News
Upcoming
| Date | Match |
| 02/19/11 | India vs Bangladesh |
| 02/20/11 | New Zealand vs Kenya |
| 02/20/11 | Sri Lanka vs Canada |
| 02/21/11 | Australia vs Zimbabwe |
| 02/22/11 | England vs Netherlands |
| 02/23/11 | Pakistan vs Kenya |
| 02/24/11 | South Africa vs West Indies |
| 02/25/11 | Australia vs New Zealand |
| 02/25/11 | Bangladesh vs Ireland |
| 02/26/11 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka |
India look to up World Cup intensity
Chennai: India must pick up their intensity with barely three days to go before the World Cup gets under way, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said on Tuesday.
India, strong favourites to win the showpiece tournament, stuttered in their warm-up game against defending champions Australia in Bangalore on Sunday before pulling off an unlikely 38-run win.
The Indians take on New Zealand in their second and final practice match on Wednesday in Chennai ahead of their tournament opener against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.
"Of course we did not have a very good game against Australia," Dhoni said. "We needed a partnership but that did not happen and we could not score big.
"The lower-order helped and added some 45-odd runs. But at 214, we did not have a par score on the board. We want to score more runs in the warm-up and try various bowling options.
"We need to pick up intensity as we progress into the World Cup."
Dhoni said the performance of spinners in the game against Australia had opened up his options. Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, a surprise inclusion in India's squad, picked up 4-31 in nine overs and off-break bowler Harbhajan Singh took 3-15 from five.
"We have a very good side," said Dhoni. "That is what I have said always. I don't believe in comparisons. We have a mix of players who are very good.
"But obviously what we have on paper is not important, it is what we do on the field which matters. We need to see what the conditions are and pick our best eleven accordingly."
The Indian skipper, leading the side for the first time in a World Cup, said his team will treat New Zealand with respect despite their recent poor form in one-dayers in the subcontinent.
"They are a very contributive side. They don't depend on any one particular player. They have some very talented players. When we talk about New Zealand we talk about their contributive effort rather than singling out players."
India, winners in 1983, are placed in Group B with England, South Africa, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, the West Indies and Ireland.
India, strong favourites to win the showpiece tournament, stuttered in their warm-up game against defending champions Australia in Bangalore on Sunday before pulling off an unlikely 38-run win.
The Indians take on New Zealand in their second and final practice match on Wednesday in Chennai ahead of their tournament opener against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.
"Of course we did not have a very good game against Australia," Dhoni said. "We needed a partnership but that did not happen and we could not score big.
"The lower-order helped and added some 45-odd runs. But at 214, we did not have a par score on the board. We want to score more runs in the warm-up and try various bowling options.
"We need to pick up intensity as we progress into the World Cup."
Dhoni said the performance of spinners in the game against Australia had opened up his options. Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, a surprise inclusion in India's squad, picked up 4-31 in nine overs and off-break bowler Harbhajan Singh took 3-15 from five.
"We have a very good side," said Dhoni. "That is what I have said always. I don't believe in comparisons. We have a mix of players who are very good.
"But obviously what we have on paper is not important, it is what we do on the field which matters. We need to see what the conditions are and pick our best eleven accordingly."
The Indian skipper, leading the side for the first time in a World Cup, said his team will treat New Zealand with respect despite their recent poor form in one-dayers in the subcontinent.
"They are a very contributive side. They don't depend on any one particular player. They have some very talented players. When we talk about New Zealand we talk about their contributive effort rather than singling out players."
India, winners in 1983, are placed in Group B with England, South Africa, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, the West Indies and Ireland.
India look to up World Cup intensity
Chennai: India must pick up their intensity with barely three days to go before the World Cup gets under way, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said on Tuesday.
India, strong favourites to win the showpiece tournament, stuttered in their warm-up game against defending champions Australia in Bangalore on Sunday before pulling off an unlikely 38-run win.
The Indians take on New Zealand in their second and final practice match on Wednesday in Chennai ahead of their tournament opener against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.
"Of course we did not have a very good game against Australia," Dhoni said. "We needed a partnership but that did not happen and we could not score big.
"The lower-order helped and added some 45-odd runs. But at 214, we did not have a par score on the board. We want to score more runs in the warm-up and try various bowling options.
"We need to pick up intensity as we progress into the World Cup."
Dhoni said the performance of spinners in the game against Australia had opened up his options. Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, a surprise inclusion in India's squad, picked up 4-31 in nine overs and off-break bowler Harbhajan Singh took 3-15 from five.
"We have a very good side," said Dhoni. "That is what I have said always. I don't believe in comparisons. We have a mix of players who are very good.
"But obviously what we have on paper is not important, it is what we do on the field which matters. We need to see what the conditions are and pick our best eleven accordingly."
The Indian skipper, leading the side for the first time in a World Cup, said his team will treat New Zealand with respect despite their recent poor form in one-dayers in the subcontinent.
"They are a very contributive side. They don't depend on any one particular player. They have some very talented players. When we talk about New Zealand we talk about their contributive effort rather than singling out players."
India, winners in 1983, are placed in Group B with England, South Africa, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, the West Indies and Ireland.
India, strong favourites to win the showpiece tournament, stuttered in their warm-up game against defending champions Australia in Bangalore on Sunday before pulling off an unlikely 38-run win.
The Indians take on New Zealand in their second and final practice match on Wednesday in Chennai ahead of their tournament opener against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.
"Of course we did not have a very good game against Australia," Dhoni said. "We needed a partnership but that did not happen and we could not score big.
"The lower-order helped and added some 45-odd runs. But at 214, we did not have a par score on the board. We want to score more runs in the warm-up and try various bowling options.
"We need to pick up intensity as we progress into the World Cup."
Dhoni said the performance of spinners in the game against Australia had opened up his options. Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, a surprise inclusion in India's squad, picked up 4-31 in nine overs and off-break bowler Harbhajan Singh took 3-15 from five.
"We have a very good side," said Dhoni. "That is what I have said always. I don't believe in comparisons. We have a mix of players who are very good.
"But obviously what we have on paper is not important, it is what we do on the field which matters. We need to see what the conditions are and pick our best eleven accordingly."
The Indian skipper, leading the side for the first time in a World Cup, said his team will treat New Zealand with respect despite their recent poor form in one-dayers in the subcontinent.
"They are a very contributive side. They don't depend on any one particular player. They have some very talented players. When we talk about New Zealand we talk about their contributive effort rather than singling out players."
India, winners in 1983, are placed in Group B with England, South Africa, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, the West Indies and Ireland.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Pakistan beats kiwis in 5th ODI, making a loud proclamation for the cup
Ahmed Shehzad hit his maiden one-day international century on Thursday to guide Pakistan to a 41-run win over New Zealand in the 5th one-day cricket international, clinching the six-match series.
Shehzad made 115 from 104 balls as Pakistan posted 268-9 in its 50 overs after being sent in to bat on a slow pitch.
Umar Akmal made 32, the next-best score, and Misbah ul-Haq (25) and Shahid Afridi (24) - rivals for Pakistan`s World Cup captaincy - offered support as Pakistan reached a moderate but competitive total.
In reply, New Zealand was bowled out for 227 in 46.5 overs, with stand-in captain Ross Taylor top scoring with 69 and Martin Guptill making 65. The pair put on 69 for New Zealand`s third wicket but their separation prompted the steady decline of the New Zealand innings.
"We`ve had to wait a long time for Pakistan to win a series but it`s come at the right time, just before the World Cup," said Afridi, Pakistan`s current one-day captain.
Shehzad provided the thread that held together the top of the Pakistan innings. He batted freely but composedly, taking the senior role in all of his partnerships and eclipsing his previous best one-day score of 43.
Umar Akmal tried to steer the latter part of the innings, making 32, but Pakistan fell well short of the total it may have expected when Shehzad was out in the 38th over at 197-4.
"I thought we would make 300, but we weren`t able to keep up the momentum," Afridi said.
New Zealand also restricted Pakistan with its slower bowlers. Scott Styris took 2-51, Jacob Oram 2-49 and Kyle Mills, bowling mainly slow medium pace, took 2-42.
New Zealand`s run chase suffered an immediate setback when opener Jesse Ryder was run out on the first ball of the innings. Guptill steered the ball to Misbah ul-Haq at wide mid-on, Ryder was backing up too far and Misbah threw down the stumps at the non-striker`s end.
Guptill worked hard to revive the innings, reaching his half century from 59 balls but he gave away his wicket with a poor shot, offering a catch to Umar Akmal off Shoaib Akhtar.
Taylor attempted to guide New Zealand to victory but he wasn`t able to score with fluency and the mounting run-rate placed pressure on the lower middle order and tail.
"We didn`t want to chase more than 85 or 90 in the last 10 overs but just lost too many wickets and put too much pressure on the last few batsmen," Taylor said.
The home side allowed itself to be tied down by Pakistan`s slower bowlers; part-time spinner Mohammad Hafeez bowled nine straight overs for only 34 runs.
New Zealand`s victory chances evaporated during its batting power play between the 40th and 45th overs. New Zealand scored 43 runs from the five overs but lost the wickets of Taylor, James Franklin (16) and Jacob Oram (10) to go from 176-5 at its outset to 219-8 at its end.
Nathan McCullum (14) was bowled by Umar Gul in the first over after the power play while New Zealand still needed 46 for victory and Hamish Bennett quickly followed as New Zealand`s innings ended meekly.
Wahab Riaz finished with 3-51 for Pakistan while Umar Gul (2-28) and Afridi (2-55) made important contributions.
Taylor was called on to lead New Zealand when regular captain Daniel Vettori withdrew shortly before the match with a hamstring strain.
Pakistan leads the series 3-1 with the final match to be played in Auckland on Saturday.
Shehzad made 115 from 104 balls as Pakistan posted 268-9 in its 50 overs after being sent in to bat on a slow pitch.
Umar Akmal made 32, the next-best score, and Misbah ul-Haq (25) and Shahid Afridi (24) - rivals for Pakistan`s World Cup captaincy - offered support as Pakistan reached a moderate but competitive total.
In reply, New Zealand was bowled out for 227 in 46.5 overs, with stand-in captain Ross Taylor top scoring with 69 and Martin Guptill making 65. The pair put on 69 for New Zealand`s third wicket but their separation prompted the steady decline of the New Zealand innings.
"We`ve had to wait a long time for Pakistan to win a series but it`s come at the right time, just before the World Cup," said Afridi, Pakistan`s current one-day captain.
Shehzad provided the thread that held together the top of the Pakistan innings. He batted freely but composedly, taking the senior role in all of his partnerships and eclipsing his previous best one-day score of 43.
Umar Akmal tried to steer the latter part of the innings, making 32, but Pakistan fell well short of the total it may have expected when Shehzad was out in the 38th over at 197-4.
"I thought we would make 300, but we weren`t able to keep up the momentum," Afridi said.
New Zealand also restricted Pakistan with its slower bowlers. Scott Styris took 2-51, Jacob Oram 2-49 and Kyle Mills, bowling mainly slow medium pace, took 2-42.
New Zealand`s run chase suffered an immediate setback when opener Jesse Ryder was run out on the first ball of the innings. Guptill steered the ball to Misbah ul-Haq at wide mid-on, Ryder was backing up too far and Misbah threw down the stumps at the non-striker`s end.
Guptill worked hard to revive the innings, reaching his half century from 59 balls but he gave away his wicket with a poor shot, offering a catch to Umar Akmal off Shoaib Akhtar.
Taylor attempted to guide New Zealand to victory but he wasn`t able to score with fluency and the mounting run-rate placed pressure on the lower middle order and tail.
"We didn`t want to chase more than 85 or 90 in the last 10 overs but just lost too many wickets and put too much pressure on the last few batsmen," Taylor said.
The home side allowed itself to be tied down by Pakistan`s slower bowlers; part-time spinner Mohammad Hafeez bowled nine straight overs for only 34 runs.
New Zealand`s victory chances evaporated during its batting power play between the 40th and 45th overs. New Zealand scored 43 runs from the five overs but lost the wickets of Taylor, James Franklin (16) and Jacob Oram (10) to go from 176-5 at its outset to 219-8 at its end.
Nathan McCullum (14) was bowled by Umar Gul in the first over after the power play while New Zealand still needed 46 for victory and Hamish Bennett quickly followed as New Zealand`s innings ended meekly.
Wahab Riaz finished with 3-51 for Pakistan while Umar Gul (2-28) and Afridi (2-55) made important contributions.
Taylor was called on to lead New Zealand when regular captain Daniel Vettori withdrew shortly before the match with a hamstring strain.
Pakistan leads the series 3-1 with the final match to be played in Auckland on Saturday.
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