SHARJAH — Stand-in captain Shahid Afridi's brilliant all-round performance carried Pakistan to an emphatic 147-run victory over New Zealand in the third One-Day International here Sunday. Afridi hit a rampant 55 off 26 balls after Ahmed Shehzad smashed 113 off 120 balls as Pakistan raised its third highest ever limited-over total of 364-7. It was Pakistan's highest one-day total against New Zealand. Afridi then chipped in with 3-37 and also took two catches to bowl out New Zealand for 217 with more than 11 overs to spare and take 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Captain Kane Williamson top-scored with 46 and Luke Ronchi made 41 before Afridi had him clean bowled to finish the match. Left-arm spinner Haris Sohail grabbed 3-45. Earlier, Shehzad featured in three half century stands before Afridi took charge and blasted six fours and three sixes in his second half century of the series against the wayward New Zealand fast bowlers. Pakistan won the first match in Dubai by three wickets while New Zealand clinched the second in Sharjah by four. The fourth and fifth matches will be played in Abu Dhabi Wednesday and Friday. Hughes family thanks Australia Phillip Hughes' family has bought full pages in Sunday newspapers around Australia to thank the country for its support since the former Test batsman's death more than two weeks ago. The message published in News Corp. Australia papers is topped with “Thank You From The Hughes Family,” and a photograph of Hughes in his “baggy green” Test cap. Hughes' father, Gregory, mother Virginia, brother Jason, and sister Megan also spoke of their grief since Hughes was fatally struck in the head by a bouncer during a domestic match in Sydney on Nov. 25. He died two day later in hospital. The main message reads, “Words cannot express our sorrow at Phillip's passing, but your love and support has given us great strength at this very difficult time.” Warner, Dhawan and Kohli fined Australia's David Warner and India duo Shikhar Dhawan and stand-in skipper Virat Kohli were found guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct and handed fines for bust-ups during the stormy first Test which ended in Adelaide Saturday. — Agencies
