New Zealand for long is known as a side that wins only at home. Thus when the New Zealand team embarked on a tour of Pakistan, they were not expected to set the Thames on fire. As Pakistan is beset by terrorist activity, foreign Cricket teams play Pakistan in the UAE. A couple of years back terrorists had attacked the Sri Lanka team, and that created a scare and now no cricket team tours Pakistan.
New Zealand chose to play Pakistan in the UAE, and 3 test matches were played. News18 has reported that this time after the conclusion of the third test at Abu Dhabi the Kiwis a popular name for the New Zealand team recorded a historic 2-1 victory over Pakistan.
Creating history
The third test began on even terms as New Zealand had won the first test in a nail-biting finish by four runs and lost the second test by an innings. The third test was played at Abu Dhabi, and it was expected that Pakistan being favourites would not let history be created. Unfortunately for Pakistan history was created as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 123 runs. The victory was sweet as the last time New Zealand had beaten Pakistan in a home series was in 1969, forty-nine years back.
The Test
The test started badly for the Kiwis who were bowled out for 274. Pakistan batted resolutely and took a lead of 74 by totalling 348. The innings was built around A. Ali who hit 134 and A Shafiq who scored 104.
The Kiwis bowled well, but Pakistan was able to nose ahead. A Pakistani victory appeared a near certainty, but New Zealand batted resolutely in the second innings helped by a great century by K Williamson who made 139. H. Nicholls chipped in with 126 not out, and New Zealand was able to reach 353 for 7 before the captain Nicholas declared, setting Pakistan a challenging total of 280 to win on the fifth day of the test.
The Pakistan cricket team, however, batting 4th on a turning wicket could just muster 156 runs. No Pakistani batsman could stay longer on the crease except for Babar Azam who made 51. The Pakistan innings lasted just 56 overs, and Indian expatriate spinner Patel with 3-42 did most of the damage. The second spinner Somerville helped him with 3-52.
ESPN Sports has reported that the defeat has rankled Pakistan and captain Sarfraz has offered to step down from the captaincy.
Future
This is a sweet victory for New Zealand in cricket as the New Zealand team which lost a thriller in India has very few overseas wins in test cricket. Even with great players like Glen Turner and Martin Crowe in the team, victory eluded the New Zealand team which started their last One day tour of India with a win but yet lost.
For Pakistan its time for introspection as this defeat shows that the Pakistan team needs to plan and play better. They are in the process of rebuilding their team after the exit of many stalwarts and will need some time. New Zealand can look forward to the future with confidence.
