World champion Pakistan won a record-equaling seventh successive Twenty20 match when they beat New Zealand by seven runs to sweep the two-match series at here on Friday. Umar Akmal topscorered with 56 in 49 balls as Pakistan reached 153-5.

The Kiwis put up a spirited fight with stand-in captain Brendon McCullum (47) and Scott Styris (43) threatening to lead New Zealand to victory with a 66-run stand for the fourth wicket. However, the Pakistani bowlers led by paceman Umar Gul (2-29) kept their cool in the final overs. With the victory, Pakistan matched South Africa’s record string from March to June this year.

Brief scores: Pakistan 153/5 (K Akmal 26, U Akmal 56 not out, S Afridi 22; Butler 3/28) vs New Zealand 146/5 (B McCullum 47, S Styris 43; Gul 2/29).

England win by 1 run

JOHANNESBURG: England won the first of two Twenty20 internationals against South Africa by one run on the Duckworth-Lewis method on Friday after rain ended play with South Africa on 127-3. England had made 202 for 6 after Eion Morgon scored a sensational 45-ball 85 — to record the highest score by an England batsman in a T20 international. His score included seven fours and five sixes .

In reply, Loots Bosman and captain Graeme Smith started briskly for South Africa. Bosman struck five fours and four sixes in a blazing 31-ball innings of 58, while Smith scored 41 off 23 balls.

Brief scores: England 202/6 (J Trott 33, P Collingwood 57, E Morgan 85 not out; R McLaren 3/33) South Africa 127/3, 13 overs (G Smith 41, L Bosman 58; Wright 1/17).