A friendly cricket match was played between Auckland and Hamilton Pakiwis on 15 May 2004. Pakistan Association of New Zealand was invited to visit Hamilton few days back by newly formed Pak Organization there .It was decided that a friendly match between both the cities will be a fitting start for mutual interaction and cooperation. A cricket team consisting of young cricketers from Auckland along with few PANZ officials reached Hamilton on 15 May and played a 20 over hard ball cricket match with young guns of Hamilton Pakistanis. Auckland outfit was warmly welcomed by Ch. Javeid (Tandoor Pakistan Restaurant) and Taqi and Shahzad Sahib and lot of other local Pak people.
Auckland team won the toss and put Hamilton to bat first. The match started at slow pace with Hamilton guys losing few wickets in the first 10 overs. However their middle order stabilized the situation and succeeded in taking the score to a respectable total of 120 runs in 20 overs. Awaiz took 3 wickets while Tauseef and Sheeraz bagged two wickets each from Auckland side. PANZ Auckland team started their run chase at a disappointing note when their early batsmen could not score many runs and got out in regular intervals of time. Sheeraz turned the tables upon Hamilton team by hitting powerful 43 runs in a fiery style and was ably supported by resolute Imran. Auckland team needed 21 runs in last four overs which they managed to score with ease helped by a good knock from Awaiz Shahzad. Imran, Taussef and Shahid Azad did extremely well in the dying stage and Auckland team won the match by 3 wickets.
Pakistan Association Hamilton had arranged a BBQ during the match which every body continued enjoying all the day. Players of both the teams mingled with each other and a fraternal atmosphere remained in place all the times. Pakistan Association of New Zealand thanks for the hospitality and warm welcome given to them by Hamilton Pakistanis and assure them of working closely with regard to planning and participation for mutual programmes.
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