Ability to bounce back key for Kiwis going forward, says Williamson

Zealand’s fightback from a demoralising second Test defeat to clinch the third match, and first away series victory over Pakistan in almost 50 years, will help the team progress, captain Kane Williamson said.

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 123 runs in Abu Dhabi on Friday to clinch a 2-1 series victory, their first away series win against Pakistan since 1969, just days after they had been hammered in Dubai by an innings and 16 runs.

“To bounce back (and) to put out a performance that we’re very much proud of ... to come away with the win against a very strong side like Pakistan, is a great game that guys will remember forever,” Williamson said.

“(But) to stay with it throughout the three weeks, with some relatively inexperienced players who really stepped up is something we’ll look back on and be really proud of, and hopefully that helps our progression.”

Williamson’s side arrived in UAE with an untested look about their slow bowlers, with left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel and late call-up offspinner Will Somerville both uncapped at Test level.

The 30-year-old Patel made his debut in the first Test and finished Man of the Match with second-innings figures of 5/59 that helped his side win the game by four runs. Somerville made his debut in the third game where he had match figures of 7/127.

WELLINGTON:New