Black Caps pull off dramatic win
FIRST TEST:: PATEL ENGINEERS A STUNNING COLLAPSE
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson praised his team’s never-say-die approach and described a tension-packed narrow four-run win over Pakistan in the first match yesterday a “good advertisement for Test cricket.”
New Zealand defended a modest 176-run target, courtesy of 5/59 by left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel in his first Test and two wickets each by fast bowler Neil Wagner and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi which bundled Pakistan out for 171 on the fourth day.
It is the fifth narrowest margin of victory in terms of runs in Test cricket history.
Williamson admitted the win was dramatic, with fortunes fluctuating throughout the day on which Pakistan needed a further 139 with all 10 wickets intact.
“It certainly was dramatic,” said Williamson. “I think at the end of the day it was a great advertisement for Test cricket.”
Patel sparked a mini-collapse when he trapped Imam-ul-Haq leg-before in the fifth over of the day for 27 before Ish Sodhi had Mohammad Hafeez (10) and Haris Sohail (4) in the same over.
Azhar Ali, the last man out for a fighting 65, added 82 for the fourth wicket with Asad Shafiq (45) but Pakistan lost their last seven wickets for just 41 runs.
“The wicket was challenging and both teams had to fight hard, but some of the characteristics we held very dear is the attitude to fight on,” said Williamson.
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed blamed poor batting for his team’s loss.
“We have given away soft wickets. Nobody played a long innings. It is very disappointing to say the least,” said Sarfraz.
“The way we started off yesterday we felt we would get through to the target easily.
“But then we lost three wickets and it was important for set players to play on but that did not happen and you have to praise New Zealand bowlers, especially Patel.” – AFP