Jamieson’s first 11 humbles Pakistan as New Zealand hit number one

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Towering paceman Kyle Jamieson completed an 11-wicket match haul Wednesday as New Zealand thrashed Pakistan in the second Test to become the world’s top-ranked team.

Jamieson was near unplayable in Pakistan’s second innings, finishing with six for 48 a er his five for 69 in the first innings, to give New Zealand victory by an innings and 176 runs.

The win inside four days in Christchurch, which completed a 2-0 series sweep, also confirmed New Zealand had overtaken Australia to be the world’s number one Test side for the first time.

“It’s hard to beat really,” said victorious captain Kane Williamson, whose double century set up the win.

New Zealand batted Pakistan out of contention with a first innings 659 for six, with Williamson’s masterful 238 supported by Henry Nicholls (157) and Daryl Mitchell (102 not out).

But there was still a chance Pakistan could force a draw until Jamieson took the ball.

“The most impressive thing is his attitude, his ability to run in and hit the wicket hard for long spells,” Williamson said.

In his sixth Test a er making his debut against India 10 months ago, Jamieson has taken 36 wickets at a stunning 13.27 average and with four fivewicket hauls to his credit. But he said he’s far from being the finished product.

“I’m a long way off the cricketer that I want to be,” he said a er his man-of-the match performance.

“I’m 12 months into my international career and it’s a long process and hopefully I’ve got another nine-10 years in this group and if that happens I’ve got more to come.”

Pakistan captain Mohammed Rizwan was disappointed with his side’s fielding and multiple dropped catches.

But he said their biggest problem was Jamieson.

“He’s the only difference between both teams. The conditions were fair to bowlers but the way he bowled he took too many wickets in the series,” Rizwan said.

“We need to improve in all departments, especially in fielding.

“If you drop catches you can’t win a Test match.”

Pakistan resumed the day at eight for one, needing to bat for the better part of two days to salvage a draw, but they were never in the hunt.

— AFP photo New Zealand’s paceman Kyle Jamieson celebrates the wicket of Pakistan’s Fawad Alam on day one of the second cricket Test match between New Zealand and Pakistan at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.