New Zealand bowls out Pakistan for thrilling 2-0 sweep
New Zealand took nine wickets in a dramatic final session of the second Test against Pakistan in Hamilton on Tuesday(November 29) to win by 138 runs and sweep the series 2-0.
For the home side, who won the first Test in Christchurch by eight wickets, it was the first series win over Pakistan since 1985.
Pakistan was chasing 369 after Ross Taylor’s second-innings century lifted New Zealand to 313 for 5 declared on the fourth day. Pakistan reached tea on the final day at 158 for 1, needing 211 off 204 deliveries. But when Tim Southee removed Sami Aslam for 91, it triggered a collapse where the last eight wickets fell for 49 in 20 overs. Neil Wagner took the last three for no runs in just six deliveries, as Pakistan finished on 230.
The result meant Pakistan slipped from second to fourth position in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team Rankings, while New Zealand moved up one place to sixth.
Fifties from openers Azhar Ali (58 off 161) and Aslam (91 off 238) laid the platform for Pakistan’s chase with a patient first-wicket stand of 131 in 60 overs. Babar Azam, who came to the crease after Mitchell Santner bowled Azhar, attempted to lift the pace, but was similarly bowled on the fourth ball after tea.
Aslam missed out on his maiden century when his mistimed drive off Southee was caught by Kane Williamson at mid-off.
Sarfraz Ahmed was run out for a quick 19 off 21 and Matt Henry ensured Asad Shafiq did not get off the mark. Younis Khan, on his 39th birthday, struggled to 11 before he was lbw to Southee and Pakistan was in some trouble at 218 for 6.
Sohail Khan fell to Colin de Grandhomme for 8 and Wagner removed Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz and Imran Khan all without scoring, leaving Mohammad Rizwan not out on 13.
New Zealand will be delighted with the result, given the loss of more than four sessions to rain early on. Southee was named player of the series for his match haul of eight wickets.
