Linchpins
New Zealand defeats Pakistan in the second ODI, regaining 4th spot in the ICC rankings.
A 64-run win would have been seen as a spanking, if the previous match had not been a 138-run slaughter.
The match was most notable for Brendon McCullum’s 131 off 129, which contributed hugely to the win.
Considering what a star Brendon is, it is remarkable that this is his first century against a decent opposition (though it is one that any batsman would be happy to have in his record). Ruffling through the stats however suggests that though he hasn’t hit 100 very often, his contributions are important for New Zealand wins. McCullum’s average is twice as large in wins as it is in losses. Also, when he scores 50 or above, New Zealand is twice as likely to win.
For Pakistan, it almost seemed like they were waiting for Shahid Afridi to do for them what McCullum did for us. By the time Afridi came in (in the 27th over), the top order had muddled along, allowing the required run rate to touch 8/over. When he went first ball (c. Taylor, b. Styris), there was no oomph left.
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