PAKISTAN COLLAPSE TO NZ

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 clean sweep their series 2-0. It was New Zealand’s first series win over Pakistan since 1985. Pakistan were faced with an imposing 369-run target in their second innings but set themselves up for a run-a-ball slog when they reached tea on the final day at 158-1. The match edged towards a cliff-hanger finish before Tim Southee removed Pakistan’s leading run scorer Sami Aslam for 91. The series win to New Zealand, after a first Test triumph in Christchurch, means Pakistan fall from second to fourth in the world rankings while New Zealand remain seventh. After reaching tea on the final day needing 211 off 204 deliveries, Pakistan could only ponder whether they left their charge too late. Openers Azhar Ali (58 off 161 deliveries) and Aslam (91 off 238) laid the platform with a record fourth innings opening stand for Pakistan of 131 but it lasted a timeconsuming 60 overs before Azhar was

dismissed. It was a Test that began with all the early signs in Pakistan’s favour. They won the toss on a lush green surface and celebrated with a wicket in the first over. But that bright start faded rapidly and in the end not even the loss of more than four sessions to rain could save them. Reaching 369 would have meant over-taking the record successful fourth innings chase in New Zealand of 348-5 by the West Indies 47 years ago in Auckland.