Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam has described new suggestions of ball tampering as "disappointing".

It emerged yesterday New Zealand had spoken to match officials to clarify Umar Gul's record international Twenty20 figures of five for six in Saturday's Super Eights game at The Oval had been achieved fairly.

"It is disappointing to hear these things," said Alam. "Umar is a fantastic bowler."

The matter will go no further after officials assured New Zealand they had no concerns over Pakistan's conduct.

Nevertheless it was an unpleasant reminder of events at the same venue three years ago when Pakistan forfeited a Test against England after refusing to retake the field in protest over a five-run penalty meted out by umpire Darrell Hair, who believed they had tampered with the ball.

Alam instead focused on Gul's achievement of claiming the first five-wicket haul in international Twenty20 cricket as Pakistan won by five wickets.

"Not everyone can bowl a reverse ball," he said.
"You've got to have a special ability to do that. He's quick and his action makes a lot of difference."