Pakistan’s left-arm attack of Abdur Rehman and Wahad Riaz destroyed the New Zealand second innings and set up a 10-wicket win inside three days in the first Test yesterday.
New Zealand’s second turn batting lasted less than 39 overs as they were rolled over for 110, leaving Pakistan a mere 19 runs for victory, a feat they achieved achieved in 22 balls.
At one stage New Zealand lost four wickets for one run, collapsing from 60 for two to 61 for four amid a baffling array of aggressive shot-making at a time when patience was required.
PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan, who resumed the day on 235 for four in their first innings, were all out midway through the second session for 367, a 92-run lead.
By the time New Zealand passed that target they were already eight wickets down, with most of the dismissals the result of poor decision-making by the batsmen.
Man-of-the-match Rehman took three for 24 off 15 overs with his left-arm spin, while medium-quick Riaz took three for 38 in an unbroken 11-over spell.
When New Zealand started their run chase, they reached 36 in 12 overs before the wickets started to tumble.
Tim McIntosh was first to go when he charged down the wicket to Rehman, misread the ball and was stumped by Adnan Akmal.
Brendon McCullum attacked when perseverance was required and reached 35, including five boundaries, before he was caught behind, although TV replays showed the ball deflected off his thigh pad.
New Zealand had staggered through to 60 when their game fell apart completely in the space of 15 balls.
Martin Guptill (11) tried to sweep Rehman out of the park, but top-edged the ball to Taufeeq Umar at midwicket, Jesse Ryder went leg before wicket to Riaz’ first ball, Ross Taylor (8) was run out going for an unnecessary single and Kane Williamson (1) was caught by Azhar Ali at second slip off Riaz.
Tim Southee reached 17 when he tried to hit Umar Gul over the boundary, but was caught at mid-on to have New Zealand 90 for eight.
All the partisan crowd could find to cheer about was the batting of tail-ender Chris Martin, whose average of 2.47 is one of the worst in Test cricket, but he managed to make 7 and reach his 100th Test run in his 60th international.
Pakistan had earlier looked to be in trouble when they were 107 for four in their first innings, before Asad Shafiq and Misbah-ul-Haq put on 149 for the fifth wicket.
When they fell in successive balls and Pakistan were 256 for six, Adnan Akmal and Abdur Rehman added 76 for the seventh wicket to put the tourists in front.
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