New Zealand thrash Pakistan

New Zealand registered a comprehensive victory against Pakistan. The margin of 110 runs was thanks mainly to Ross Taylor's systematic decimation of the opposition's bowling.

The Kiwi's did not have the perfect start after the winning the toss. They lost Brendon McCullum in the first over on a personal score of 6.

Jamie How soon followed as Pakistan's pace battery seemed intent on staging a massive collapse.Umar Gul bowled well with fellow pacer in Shoaib Akhtar in the initial stage.

Frustration though was to follow soon after. An easy catch of Ross Taylor was put down by wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal on a score of 8. This was only three balls after another edge had gone between him and first-slip

Taylor made full use of his lifeline as he consolidated the innings and eventually shifted gears to unleash terror in the opposition camp. He completed his half-century in the 35th over; reached 68 by the 44th over and brought up his century in the next three overs.

Taylor was well supported by Jacob Oram who hit 25 of 9 balls. His strike rate of 277.77 is the highest in a World Cup match. New Zealand smashed 114 runs in their last 6 overs to finish on 302.

A shell-shocked Pakistan came into bat and made a disastrous start. Tim Southee wrecked havoc removing Mohammad Hafeez and Kamran Akmal. Kyle Mills chipped in with two early wickets as well.

It was Umar Akmal who showed some signs of life as he stitched together a knock of 38. Once he fell to Nathan McCullum though, it became a matter of time before the entire innings fell through.

Though Taylor's innings was the high-point, the New Zealand bowling too remained immaculate and contributed to the win. New Zealand. They now will play Canada on Sunday while Pakistan face off against Zimbabwe a day later.