New Zealand v Pakistan 8.3.2011



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Ross Taylor's terrific unbeaten century set up New Zealand's comprehensive 110-run victory over Pakistan in their World Cup Group A match in Pallekele today.

Birthday boy Taylor scored 131 off 124 balls and in a late blitz added 84 in 22 balls with Jacob Oram (25 off nine) as New Zealand blasted 100 off last five overs to reach 302 for seven.

Pakistan's chase was derailed after half the side were dismissed inside 15 overs, with paceman Tim Southee picking up three, but Abdul Razzaq (62 off 74) gave the former champions a flicker of hope before they were eventually dismissed for 192 in under 42 overs.

Batting first after winning the toss, New Zealand lost Brendon McCullum and Jamie How cheaply but Martin Guptill and Taylor guided them past 100 from 26 overs.

Guptill, who reached his half-century off 72 balls, fell seven runs later to Shahid Afridi's guile and Mohammad Hafeez soon sent back James Franklin.