But not out of series
against Shah whose 14-184 was the best test-match figures against New Zealand.
Ross Taylor danced down the pitch first ball and wasn’t scared to use his feet, as was the nimble Henry Nicholls who was decisive playing forward or back. Tom Latham swept strongly and looked confident in his gameplan, rotating the strike as Shah appeared a mere mortal before his late second innings flurry.
In the first innings, there was blind panic after Taylor and Nicholls each got gems second ball, Shah was on the button and there was no stopping him as the tail was exposed. It was the perfect storm and for the likes of Jeet Raval it will mean some more anxious moments.
Then there’s Williamson, who was not out in the first innings as the carnage unfolded, then got a ripper from Shah in the second. He got starts in all four innings to date and a big one is required from New Zealand’s master batsman if they’re to stand up to Shah and his mates.
The first two tests went to script: team who wins the toss bats first and wins the match.
Williamson is one from two calling against Sarfraz Ahmed this series and this coin flip will be as vital as ever with both sides wanting to bat first and set the pace with a series win beckoning.
That’s been an issue for New Zealand who again showed they can fight back from adversity but aren’t great frontrunners. Pakistan displayed the blueprint to win in the UAE: bat for two days then hope your spinners do the job on a helpful wearing pitch.
If Williamson calls correctly New Zealand will get the best of the batting conditions and need 400-plus. Easier said than done.
The Black Caps gladly farewell Dubai and at least return to the ground where they made the dressing room heave after their stunning first test win.
Yes they were fortunate and relied on an awful Pakistan collapse and a superb debut from Patel. But a win’s a win, and happy memories for them and, perhaps, some dark flashbacks for the hosts will help the Black Caps’ cause.
Coach Gary Stead believes it will be the same pitch as Pakistan beat Australia by 373 runs in October, when seamer Mohammad Abbas took 10 for the match, Australian offspinner Nathan Lyon eight and Shah just four wickets.
Patel will return with a swagger and so too Wagner whose support role was crucial in the first test and the bouncier pitch offers encouragement for his short-pitched barrage.
Pakistan displayed the blueprint to win in the UAE: bat for two days then hope your spinners do the job.