Gul dazzles in Pakistan's six-wicket win over New Zealand

Packed stands at the Oval with a huge presence of Pakistani fans, a do-or-die encounter for his team and a World Cup. But, it was Umar Gul who stole the show with a T20 record performance of 5/6 that helped Pakistan dismiss New Zealand for a paltry 99. Venkat Ananth reports. Full Special Coverage | See Pics

It was a different Pakistan side that walked on to the field on Saturday — in composition, in character, in performance and in everything to do with the game. If ever there was a stage for Abdul Razzaq to announce his comeback to official cricket, this was it. Packed stands at the Oval with a huge presence of Pakistani fans, a do-or-die encounter for his team and a World Cup. But, it was Umar Gul who stole the show with a T20 record performance of 5/6 that helped Pakistan dismiss New Zealand for a paltry 99.

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Abdul Razzaq began the Kiwi rout, announcing his return from exile with the wicket of the dangerous Brendon McCullum for 13 in his first over - fourth ball to be exact. That triggered a collapse, with Redmond becoming Razzaq's second victim trapped leg-before for 15. Soon after, Guptill followed and New Zealand were looking down the barrel. The New Zealand innings came to a standstill and that allowed Pakistan's bowlers to dominate.

Umar Gul, held back by Younis Khan for the death overs, then checked in and straightaway struck twice - picking Scott Styris, through a fantastic running catch by Shahid Afridi, and Peter McGlashan. Neil McCullum was his next victim, clean bowled for seven, in his second over. Gul ended his scintillating spell with two wickets in successive balls (Franklin and Mills) in his third over.

Brief score: New Zealand 99 in 18.3 overs (Umar Gul 5-6).