Ability to bounce back key for NZ
WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s fightback from a demoralising secondtest 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 says.
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 123 runs in Abu Dhabi on Friday night to clinch a 21 series victory, its first away to Pakistan since 1969, just days after it had been hammered in the second match 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 the United Arab Emirates for the tour, which was coach Gary Stead’s first in charge, with an untested look about the slow bowlers. Leftarm spinner Ajaz Patel and late callup offspinner Will Somerville were both uncapped at test level.
The 30yearold Patel made his debut in the first test and finished man of the match with secondinnings figures of five for 59 that helped his side win the game by four runs.
Somerville, who was working as an accountant in Sydney before he decided to give his cricket career another shot, moved back to New Zealand earlier this year and made his debut in the third game in which he had match figures of seven for 127.
‘‘I was so emotional after the game because it’s been such a long road,’’ the 34yearold said.
‘‘I can’t wait to see the kids and give the wife a hug and all of that stuff, because the sacri
fices they have made for me have been amazing and I’m extremely grateful.
‘‘It still feels like a dream. I’m still pinching myself. I’m just so incredibly proud.’’ Williamson singled out the two slow bowlers for praise, despite the fact his own secondinnings century enabled New Zealand to set a victory target of 280 on the final day in Abu Dhabi.
‘‘For those guys to come over here and show their experience and perform the way they did was massive for us getting across the line,’’ he said.
Williamson’s side arrived back in New Zealand yesterday before two tests against Sri Lanka, the first starting in Wellington on Saturday. — Reuters