Daniel Vettori claims New Zealand's defeat of Pakistan to level their three-match series was the result of a conscious effort to improve.
Skipper delighted as New Zealand level series
Captain Daniel Vettori claims New Zealand's defeat of Pakistan to level their three-match series at 1-1 was the result of a conscious effort to improve in certain areas.
After suffering a 138-run defeat in their opening match the Black Caps fought back with a solid display in the second to win by 64 runs, a performance that has thrilled skipper Vettori.
"I think we wanted to improve on some key areas, made a conscious effort and it's pleasing that we were able to turn around in a couple of days," he said.
"Now we must keep the pressure on Pakistan."
Black Caps' Brendon McCullum (131) contributed to the victory with a century that proved him to be very much back on form, adding 126 for the second wicket with Martin Guptill (62) which paved the way for an impressive total of 303-8 in 50 overs.
"The partnership between McCullum and Guptill set up the victory for us, enabled us to achieve a 300-plus total and put pressure on Pakistan," added Vettori.
Vettori also credited Scott Styris for providing the turning point of the match with three wickets in two overs.
Influential
Pakistan made an imposing start with 77 between Salman Butt (59) and Khalid Latif (45) and were 124-2 when Styris, who had not bowled in almost 13 months, took three wickets from 10 balls.
"I was trying to get some quick overs," said Vettori.
"Those turned out to be the most influential overs. Scott came into the game to impress and did at a time when Pakistan were coming hard on us."
Man-of-the-match McCullum, who's only other one-day hundred came against Ireland last year, was relieved to have earned his merit as an opener.
"There was some pressure on me coming into this match," said McCullum, who was relieved of his vice-captaincy post in order to improve his batting form.
"Vice-captain or not, I am a senior player and wanted to prove my worth as an opener.
"Probably I tried to be too aggressive at times, but this time I found the right tempo."
Poor Pakistan
Meanwhile, Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam believes that poor bowling and fielding were responsible for his team's defeat.
"We had a bad day," said Alam.
"We probably gave away 30-40 extra runs and that made the difference. We must improve our fielding because New Zealand is one of the best fielding sides in the world, on a par with South Africa."
The coach also defended his decision to boost Kamran Akmal and Shahid Afridi to fourth and fifth in the batting order, despite them taking four runs and no runs respectively.
"They were my decisions," added Alam.
"Both batted well in the first match but didn't click in the second."
