Williamson leads NZ to triumph
CHRISTCHURCH: A Kane Williamson half century saw New Zealand snap a four-Test losing streak when they beat Pakistan by eight wickets on Sunday in the first Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
A low-scoring match was wrapped up inside eight sessions after the first day’s washout, with Williamson’s second innings 61 — his 24th Test 50 — the top score of the match. CONFIDENCE BOOST Set 105 to win after Pakistan were all out for 171 in their second innings on the morning of the fourth day, Williamson lost his wicket with the scores level, leaving debutant Jeet Raval to seal victory with a boundary off Yasir Shah. It was a muchneeded confidence boost for the home side, coming off a 3-0 series whitewash in India and a comprehensive 204-run loss to South Africa.
“It was a nice toss to win,” said Williamson who put Pakistan into bat on a seaming wicket and had them all out for 133 in their first innings. “After a couple of really tough tours in South Africa and India, it was important we learned a lot but at the same time put some of that baggage away.”
Azhar Ali, who will take over the Pakistan captaincy, said the tourists had no excuses. “As a professional, as a team, we have to adapt to conditions wherever we go,” Azhar said. “As time goes on, we’ll get better. We’re hopeful to turn things around quickly.” BRIEF SCORES: Pakistan 133 & 171; New Zealand 200 & 108/2 (Kane Williamson 61, Jeet Raval 36 not out; Azhar Ali 1/6, Mohammad Amir 1/12). New Zealand won by 8 wickets.