Pakistan suffer late collapse

NEW Zealand took nine wickets in a dramatic final session of the second test against Pakistan to win by 130 runs in Hamilton yesterday and sweep the series 2-0.

It was New Zealand’s first series win over Pakistan since 1985 and a relieved captain Kane Williamson called it one of the most remarkable test finishes he had played in.

He felt Pakistan had a chance to win when they started the final session needing 211 off 204 balls, but then came the nine-wicket onslaught.

Pakistan were faced with an imposing 369-run target, but set themselves up for a runa-ball slog when they reached tea on the final day at 158/1.

At that stage, Williamson began to question whether he had declared New Zealand’s second innings too early at 313/5.

Pakistan captain Azhar Ali said his side had tried to extend the chase and play for a draw when Sarfraz Ahmed was run out to make it 199 for four, but they could not hold on.

The match edged towards a cliff-hanger finish before Tim Southee removed Pakistan’s leading run scorer Sami Aslam for 91.

That started the collapse which saw eight wickets fall for 49 in 20 overs with Neil Wagner taking the final three for no runs in just six deliveries.

New Zealand’s series win means Pakistan fall from second to fourth in the world rankings, while New Zealand move up to sixth.

Pakistan were left to ponder whether they left their charge too late.

Azhar Ali (58 off 161 deliveries) and Aslam (91 off 238) laid the platform with a record Pakistan fourth-innings opening stand of 131.

It lasted 60 overs before Azhar was dismissed.