New Zealand national cricket team are in top form as far as Test cricket is concerned. They recently humiliated West Indies in the Test series. After a convincing 2-0 clean sweep of West Indies, Kiwis invited Pakistan for bilateral Test series.
The first Test took place at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The Kiwis were by far the better team in every aspect of the game. They played a fearless brand of cricket in both innings and sealed a thrilling victory against the visitors.
The tactically outsmarted Pakistan to take the first lead in the series. The match could have gone either way especially in the last session of the game. Nonetheless, Kiwis held their nerves and pulled off a stunning win at home.
Pakistan had a clear-cut chance to save itself from a defeat. Perhaps the match would have ended in a pulsating draw had the visitors approached the game with a bit of patience. Kiwis came up with smart plans and strategies to outsmart Pakistan.
Kiwis captain Kane Williamson was adjudged the man of the match for his batting display. The fab 4 batsman took the cricket fraternity by storm when he scored a double century against West Indies in the just-concluded Test series.
The world-class batsman drew praises from the cricket fraternity for his impeccable 251. Kane continued his rich vein of form against Pakistan as he scored a remarkable century in the first innings.
Mitchell Santner helps New Zealand secure a thrilling win
Mitchell Santner emerged as the lone hero in the finishing stages of the match. It was a perfect climax in the Boxing Day Test where both teams battled it out at each other.
In the final stages of the match when the match had less than 30 minutes of play on the final day, tension piled up in the New Zealand team. However, Mitchell Santner unleashed his bowling skills to better effect.
The left-arm spinner dismissed Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah to help New Zealand secure a thrilling win over Pakistan. New Zealand won the game by 101 runs.
Watch the video below:
Kiwis draw first blood in Test series
The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. After a sensational win, New Zealand secured as many as 60 championship points. This takes them to the top of the points table.
Earlier, New Zealand scored 431 in the first innings. Kiwis captain scored 129 with the help of 12 fours and a six. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Yasir Shah took 4 and 3 wickets respectively. In reply, Pakistan was skittled out for 239. Faheem Ashraf top-scored for the visitors with 91.
The hosts responded with 180/5 and declared the innings. Pakistan was tasked to chase a whopping target of 372. But they succumbed to 271. Fawad Alam top-scored with a century. Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Jamieson, and Boult bagged 2 wickets each.
