New Zealand v Pakistan, 1st Test Review: Hosts secure an easy win

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Jeet Raval of New Zealand leaves the field after day four of the First Test. (Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images)

Kane Williamson scored his 24th half century to guide the hosts to an eight-wicket victory in the first Test against Pakistan in Christchurch on Sunday. Chasing a target of 105 for the win, Williamson did the bulk of the scoring before unfortunately getting dismissed on 61 with the hosts just one run away from victory. Opener Jeet Raval, who top-scored in the first innings, hit a four to push New Zealand over the line shortly after lunch on the fourth day. He remained unbeaten on 36.

This Test match must have brought great relief. After a poor tour of India, the team was shuffled and major changes were made by the selectors. The move paid really well. All-rounder, Colin de Grandhomme, seven wickets on debut and claimed the man of the match honors, while Neil Wagner became the second fastest New Zealander to claim a hundred Test scalps. This win ends for the winless streak of 6 matches for the home side.

Having resumed on 129 for seven and with a lead of just 62 runs, Pakistan were able to reach 171 with the help of some strong counter-attacking from pace bowler Sohail Khan (40). His effort saw the target go past the 100 run mark.

Tom Latham once again was dismissed for a single digit score was caught at third slip off a ball that bounced sharply from pace bowler Mohammad Amir. But, Williamson and Raval then forged together to ensure the chase was carried out smoothly.

The low scoring Test was an one-sided affair. The Kiwi bowlers used their expertise of playing in such condition to great use and stayed on top of their opposition. On the other, the likes of Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali and Sohail Khan enjoyed the conditions and reaped rewards too. But, they failed to be as effective as their counterparts.

Batsmen would never love to bat on such tracks which has so much venom in it. The first innings, which commenced on day two after the opening day was washed out by rain, saw Pakistan getting shot out for just 133. Barring Misbah-ul-Haq (31) no other Pakistani could make any significant contribution and surrendered to the swing of Grandhomme.

New Zealand, in response, also faced an uphill task. Pakistan, boasting of an equally potent fast bowling unit, bundled out the hosts for 200 runs to ensure that the Kiwis could not take a huge lead. A resurrection was required for Pakistan in batting approach in order to make a comeback into the match. But, there wasn’t any sort of improvement. Pakistan had a tough time getting past the slender 67 runs lead and could eventually only manage to set a paltry target.

Brief Scores: 

Pakistan: 133 all out (Misbah ul Haq 31; Colin de Grandhomme 6/41) & 171 (Sohail Khan 40; Neil Wagner 3/34)

New Zealand: 200 all out (Jeet Raval 55; Rahat Ali 4/62) & 108/2 (Kane Williamson 61; Azhar Ali 1/6)

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