Twitter Reactions: New Zealand win overseas Test series against Pakistan since 1969
The Black Caps snatched defeat from the jaws of defeat.
By the close of play on the fourth day, Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls took New Zealand to a commanding position in the third match against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. The hosts, from the position of command, all of a sudden, found themselves in dire straits and eventually lost the encounter by 123 runs. Moreover, the Black Caps also won the three-match series 2-1.
Nicholls carries on
The Black Caps resumed the day with 272 on the board and with Williamson and Nicholls in the middle. Pakistan started the day on an impressive note as Hasan Ali trapped Williamson, who scored 139 from 283 balls, in the first over of the day. Thereafter, Colin de Grandhomme joined Nicholls in the middle and scored 26 runs from 19 balls with a couple of fours and as many sixes.
He was nipped out by leg-break bowler Yasir Shah. In his very next delivery, the tweaker nipped out BJ Watling for a golden duck. In the meantime, Nicholls accomplished his ton as well. The left-hander notched 126 runs from 266 deliveries with the help of 12 boundaries. Tim Southee churned out a quick-fire cameo of 15 runs and New Zealand declared at 357 for seven in 113 overs.
Pakistan capitulate again
Pakistan were set a target of 280 runs. Even as the target was achievable, the home team went for saving the match. Sarfraz and Co didn’t make the greatest of starts as Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, and Asad Shafiq perished for single-digit scores. Imam-ul-Haq, who scored 22 runs from 54 balls, was nipped out by Ajaz Patel and from nowhere Pakistan were reduced to 55/5.
Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed and Babar Azam put their hands down and cobbled together a stand of 43 runs. William Somerville castled the captain to break the stand. Nevertheless, Babar didn’t drop the gun and went on to score 51 runs from 114 balls, albeit he wouldn’t be proud of the shot he played to get out. Southee, Patel, and Somerville picked up three wickets each to carve the Kiwis’ victory.
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