New Zealand expose Pakistan’s old batting frailties, steal first Test by 4 runs

Debutant spinner Ajaz Patel took five wickets to lead a never-say-die approach from New Zealand bowlers as they pulled off a thrilling four-run win over an indisciplined Pakistan in the first Test in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Defending a modest 176-run target, New Zealand bowlers led by Patel (5-59), fast bowler Neil Wagner (2-27) and Ish Sodhi (2- 37) bowled out Pakistan for 171 on a dramapacked fourth day at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. It is the fifth smallest win in terms of runs in Test cricket history and gives New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Azhar Ali fought a lone battle for Pakistan with 65 and was the last man out when he was trapped leg-before wicket by Patel. Azhar then tried to inch Pakistan across the line, farming the strike from Mohammad Abbas. But with five runs still needed to win Patel found the delivery to win the match for New Zealand.The second Test starts in Dubai from Saturday while the third and final, again in Abu Dhabi from December 3. Source: