Patel plans to keep pressure on Pakistan

AFP - The man who spun New Zealand to a stunning victory in the first Test against Pakistan has vowed to keep the pressure on the home team when the two sides meet again in the second Test in Dubai on Saturday (24).

Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel had a dream start to his Test career, claiming a memorable five for

59 in Abu Dhabi to help New Zealand pull off a sensational four-run win after setting Pakistan a modest 176-run target.

The 30-year-old, who collected the man of the match award in Abu Dhabi, said keeping up the pressure is the key in a Test.

“I think it will be pretty Ajaz Patel much the same plan, to keep the pressure for a longer period of time and keep bowling good balls in good areas,” Patel told AFP.

“A good ball is a good ball in Test cricket and batters respect that. Likewise they will put pressure back on us so it’s a bit of a cat and mouse game, backward and forward, so we will do our best.”

Pakistan have been stung by the criticism of their self-destructive batting which saw them throw away their last seven wickets for just 41 runs. The Black Caps are preparing for the backlash.

“Pakistan batsmen are good players of spin and after that defeat they will go hard on us so we will be ready for that,” said Patel.

Another win would give New Zealand their first series triumph away to Pakistan since Graham Dowling led them to a 1-0 success in 1969.