Speed Post News Network
Patna : New Zealand beat Pakistan by 4 runs in the first test on the fourth day of the match at Sheikh Zayeed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE, on November 19, 2018, a fighting 65 in 136 balls with 5 fours by Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali notwithstanding. Chasing a target of 176, Pakistan were all out for 171 runs in the second session of the play in a dramatic collapse. Asad Shafiq made 45.
India born New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel, 30, took 5/59 in 23.4 overs on debut while Ish Sodhi and Neil Wanger took two wickets each. Babar Azam was run out for 13. Pakistan were 130/3 at one stage but collapsed to be all out for 171 missing out on an easy victory. Patel had taken two wickets in Pakistan’s first innings too. Patel was declared Player of the Match.
It was a brilliant comeback by New Zealand as they were staring at defeat at stumps on day 3 with Pakistan 37/0. The match could have gone either way. It was a nail biting finish to the match.
New Zealand scored 153 in their first innings and 249 in the second. Pakistan scored 227 in their first innings and 171 in the second.