Kiwis sweep series, are No.1 in Tests

Christchurch (New Zealand), Jan. 6: Towering paceman Kyle Jamieson completed an 11-wicket match haul on Wednesday as New Zealand thrashed Pakistan in the second Test to become the world’s top-ranked team.

Jamieson was near unplayable in Pakistan’s second innings, finishing with six for 48 after his five for 69 in the first innings, to give New Zealand victory by an innings and 176 runs.

The win inside four days in Christchurch, which completed a 2-0 series sweep, also confirmed New Zealand had overtaken Australia to be the world’s number one Test side for the first time.

New Zealand batted Pakistan out of contention with a first innings 659 for six, with Williamson’s masterful 238 supported by Henry Nicholls (157) and Daryl Mitchell (102 not out).

But there was still a chance Pakistan could force a draw until Jamieson took the ball.

Pakistan resumed the day at eight for one, needing to bat for the better part of two days to salvage a draw, but they were never in the hunt.

Trent Boult had nightwatchman Mohammad Abbas out for three in the fifth over and after that the day was mainly about Jamieson, who recorded his best match performance. After Abbas departed, Abid Ali and Azhar Ali looked to be laying the groundwork for a solid third-wicket stand and moved the score to 46 when Jamieson removed Abid for 26. —

BRIEF SCORES

Pakistan 297 & 186 in 81.4 overs (Zafar Gohar 37; Jamieson 3/48) lost to New Zealand 659/6 decl.

AFP New Zealand players pose for a team photo with their trophy after defeating Pakistan to claim the series 2-0 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Wednesday.