New Zealand took nine wickets in a dramatic final session of the second Test against Pakistan to win by 130 runs in Hamilton on Tuesday and sweep the series 2-0.
Long wait
It was New Zealand’s first series win over Pakistan since 1985 and a relieved captain Kane Williamson called it one of the most remarkable Test finishes he had ever played in. “Without a doubt,” he said, admitting he felt Pakistan had a chance to win when they started the final session needing 211 off 204 balls.”
‘Big moments’
“You take nine wickets in a session, they’re all pretty big moments ... from the feeling at tea time to the feeling now is pretty contrasting and will go down as a great Test victory,” Williamson said.
Doubts
Pakistan were faced with an imposing 369-run target but set themselves up for a run-a-ball slog when they reached tea on the final day at 158 for one. At that stage Williamson began to question whether he had declared New Zealand’s second innings too early at 313 for 5. “It does cross your mind, but at the point of declaration we did know that the opposition needs a sniff,” he said. “They tried to chase it and we were able to get opportunities.”
Ahmed pays price
Pakistan captain Azhar Ali said they tried to pull out of the chase and play for a draw when Sarfraz Ahmed was run out to make it 199 for four but they could not hold on. “We thought that’s it because the new ball” was due, he said. “We did not want our lower order to be exposed to that but at the end if did happen and unfortunately we could not get the result we wanted.”
Collapse
The match edged towards a cliffhanger finish before Tim Southee removed Pakistan’s leading run scorer Sami Aslam for 91. That started the collapse which saw eight wickets fall for 49 in 20 overs with Neil Wagner taking the final three for no runs in just six deliveries.
On the move
New Zealand’s series win means Pakistan fall from second to fourth in the world rankings while New Zealand move up to sixth.
* Agency
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