Pakistan 153 for 5 (Umar 56*, Butler 3-28) beat New Zealand 146 for 5 (McCullum 47, Stryris 43) by 7 runsDUBAI, United Arab Emirates — World champion Pakistan won a record-equalling seventh successive Twenty20 match when it beat New Zealand by seven runs and swept the two-match series at Dubai Sports City Stadium on Friday.
Umar Akmal was the topscorer with 56 in 49 balls as Pakistan reached 153-5 on a lively pitch.
The Kiwis put up a spirited fight. Stand-in captain Brendon McCullum (47) and Scott Styris (43) threatened to lead New Zealand to victory with a 66-run stand for the fourth wicket. However, the Pakistani bowlers, led by paceman Umar Gul (2-29), kept their cool in the final overs.
With the victory, Pakistan matched South Africa's record string from March to June this year.
"I am very happy for Pakistan that we have achieved this record," skipper Shahid Afridi said. "But if we keep playing this well, we can set many more records.
"It was a fantastic team performance, which was very important for us considering we lost the ODI series against them a few days back. The fans here and back home were very disappointed and it was important that we lifted their spirits with a good show."
McCullum wasn't downbeat.
"I am quite happy with the way we played despite all the injury setbacks," he said. "To take it so close against the world champions is quite special for us."
Earlier, James Franklin replaced Aaron Redmond, who strained his groin while bowling in the first match on Thursday. The depleted New Zealand side also requested a couple of United Arab Emirates players be on standby in case of any other injuries on the field.
Meanwhile, regular captain Daniel Vettori, who was ruled out of both matches after being hit on the his helmet during the second one-dayer, was cleared of any serious damage after a precautionary scan. Vettori was scanned after vomiting a couple of times following the injury.
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