Taylor beats stuffing out of insipid Pakistan

 NEW DELHI (AP):

It was the same old unpredictable Pakistan at a new cricket venue. The 1992 champions, who had won three straight World Cup games, slumped to a 110-run defeat to New Zealand in a Group A match at Pallekele in Sri Lanka yesterday.

Pakistan were sloppy and captain Shahid Afridi failed to take control, once going through two overs with the field set for a bowling powerplay and failing to inform the umpires.

In the event, birthday boy Ross Taylor made 131 not out off 124 balls to help New Zealand notch up 302-7.

Pakistan's reply started on a wrong note and they were reduced to 66-6 before folding for 192 in 41.4 overs.

Both New Zealand and Pakistan are now on six points from four outings.

Pakistan were considered the dark horse after their win over Sri Lanka, but their weaknesses have been glaring in the past two games.

Pakistan were bowled out for 184 by Canada in their previous match, but managed to bounce back and win by 34 runs.

On this occasion, it was the bowling which lost its way after starting out well against a team that has slowly but surely founds its bearings in the tournament.

Birthday gifts

Taylor led the way with a sparkling knock after being given two early 27th birthday gifts from Kamran Akmal.

The wicketkeeper once let the ball go between him and Younis Khan at first slip and then dropped a sitter, both in the same over.

"I had a bit of luck early on," Taylor said. "Even when I was on 30-40 I still struggled, but I think the way Nathan (McCullum) came in and Jac (Jacob Oram) came in, I just backed myself and had a few cameos in the middle."

Afridi said he did not have any excuses for the defeat.

"We didn't bowl well, we didn't field well and we missed opportunities. I think fielding is the area where you can easily win a lot of games."