It was a perfect exhibition of Test cricket as the first Test match between Pakistan and New Zealand went down to the wire. Thus, it was an exciting finish to the first Test match as New Zealand won by four runs. In fact, Pakistan was cruising at one stage as they were 130-3. However, the barrage of wickets pushed the hosts behind the eight-ball. Sarfraz Ahmed side lost six wickets for just 34 runs to leave everybody on the edge of their seats.
New Zealand’s southpaw spinner Ajaz Patel bowled brilliantly to scalp five wickets in the second innings. Meanwhile, Pakistan veteran batsman Azhar Ali scored a fine fifty to take his team in close proximity to the target. However, Ali could not seal the match for the hosts as he was trapped in front by Ajaz Patel.
On the other hand, Kane Williamson had won the toss and decided to bat first. The Kiwis skipper was the lone warrior in the first innings as he scored a fighting knock of 63 runs. However, New Zealand could only manage 153 in the first dig.
Pakistan was able to get past New Zealand total as they scored 227 in their batting innings. Babar Azam scored a fine fifty whereas Asad Shafiq and Haris Sohail played crucial knocks.
New Zealand was going strong on their second batting innings as they were 220-4. However, the Blackcaps lost the remaining six wickets for just 29 runs. Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling scored half-centuries to take Kiwis lead to 176 runs. Meanwhile, Hasan Ali and Yasir Shah bagged five-wicket haul to bring back their side into the contest.
It is the smallest margin win for New Zealand in Test match cricket. Thus, it was a perfect advertisement for the purest form of the game and these type of matches are great to witness.