Ryder ton helps NZ to face-saving win over Pakistan

AUCKLAND, (Reuters) – Jesse Ryder scored his second  one day international century to help New Zealand earn a  face-saving 57-run victory over Pakistan at Eden Park today in the sixth and final match of their series.
The win was just New Zealand’s second in their last 16  completed ODIs and was sorely needed to give them a hint of self  belief before they head to the World Cup in India, Bangladesh  and Sri Lanka.
“It has been a tough six months but to finish it on that  note was very satisfying,” New Zealand captain Ross Taylor told  reporters. “Hopefully we can take some momentum into the World  Cup and get a couple of wins in the warmup games and take it  into the real matches.”
Ryder scored 107 and combined in a 123-run partnership with  Martin Guptill (44), while a 120-run partnership between Scott  Styris (58 not out) and Nathan McCullum (65) at the end of the  innings helped New Zealand to an imposing 311 for seven.
Wicketkeeper Kamral Akmal top-scored with 89 for the  visitors, who held an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series before  the match at Eden Park.
Captain Shahid Afridi (44) also provided some late jitters  for the New Zealanders as he combined with Sohail Tanvir (30)  before being caught by Nathan McCullum off Hamish Bennett, who  finished with for four for 46. Pakistan were dismissed for 254.
“We tried really hard,” coach Waqar Younis told reporters.  “We gave it a good run but unfortunately we lost momentum.
“We lost a wicket at the wrong time. It was a matter of  playing overs. But overall …I think they played better than  us, especially when we were bowling, so they deserved it.”
Ryder struggled with a leg injury and needed a runner for  the latter part of his innings, but said he felt he would be  fine before the team leaves for the World Cup on Tuesday.
“There’s a slight twinge to it but it’ll be fine when I get  there,” Ryder said. “Its been a frustrating series for me with  all those ducks under my belt.
“But today batting at three I just wanted to go out and   express myself and back my ability. … so to go out and score  100 today just tops it off before the World Cup.”
New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram was a late withdrawal  from the match with a foot injury and his progress would need to  be monitored before they leave for the World Cup, Taylor said.
“He had a bit of a bowl (before the match) and has just got  a bit of inflammation of the foot,” Taylor said.
“He had some scans but they didn’t really show anything so  we will just have to assess it over the next few days.”