Pakistan vs New Zealand 2018: Twitter Erupts as New Zealand Wins a Thriller to go 1-0 up
Nov 19, 2018 at 6:11 PM
Pakistan’s Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq fought hard for Pakistan, but New Zealand held on to steal a four-run win in the first Test in Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, Ajaz Patel took five wickets on debut, including the final scalp of a resolute Ali to take New Zealand over the line. A continuous 13-over spell, that triggered with Shafiq’s feather at the stroke of lunch. And then the nerves took over, first with Azhar Ali throwing Babar Azam under the bus with his calling for singles. Eventually, Babar departed courtesy a runout just when he was settling in.
Yasir didn’t really have a choice to not poke at one, but the rest – Bilal Asif and Hasan Ali in particular – just couldn’t keep their head, slogging aimlessly to leave Azhar Ali stranded. Abbas was the only guy who looked like staying on, and just when he did, Azhar found himself trapped.
Ish Sodhi and Niel Wagner also chipped in two wickets each to finish things off. Previously, it was a low-scoring encounter with the bowlers dominating the game. New Zealand batted hard to post 249 runs on the board in the second essay to set a target of 176 runs. Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling fought hard to give something to the bowlers which they utilised to full effect.
With 1-0 up in the series, the second Test will commence from November 24 at Dubai.
Here is how the Twitter reacted:
https://twitter.com/Bazmccullum/status/1064465399792717830
Well done @BLACKCAPS . What a great fightback and a memorable Test match. Test is Best ! #PAKvNZ
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 19, 2018
Winning the Test by 4 runs after conceding the first innings lead….and that too away from home. Oh New Zealand…you beauty. Test cricket you rock too 😊🙏 #PakvNZ
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 19, 2018
Best Test match bowling figures on debut by a Mumbai born player:
7/123 – Ajaz Patel (for NZ) v Pak (Abu Dhabi) 2018
6/63 – Ravi Shastri (for Ind) v NZ (Wellington) 1981#PakvNZ— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) November 19, 2018
Congratulations @BLACKCAPS sensational fighting effort. #PakvNZ
— Brendan Taylor (@BrendanTaylor86) November 19, 2018
If Imran Khan was captain of this team, he would have dropped couple of players for playing reckless shots in an intense chase. Absolute shocker by Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. Even worse than Sydney 2010. #PakvNZ
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) November 19, 2018
A test match to remember for a long time. An outstanding effort from New Zealand to win this after being out of the game for so long. Their never-say- die attitude is so wonderful and Test Cricket is well and truly alive #PakvNZ
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/Sdoull/status/1064466147737829376
Fabulous game @BLACKCAPS Well done on hanging in there right through #PakvNZ Oh dear Pakistan !!!
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) November 19, 2018
This man just won a famous Test match! #pakvnz #indianlara #ajazpatel #burbs @CentralStags pic.twitter.com/WoDlEA6AtV
— #NZIII (@MargotButcher) November 19, 2018
So close yet so far. Well played Champ, you did your best.#PakvNZ pic.twitter.com/zYq5UNojgZ
— Ahsan. 🇵🇰 (@imPakistaniLAD) November 19, 2018
Wow what a turn around! Pakistan doing a Pakistan to lose,some epic collective brainfades #PakvNZ
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) November 19, 2018
What a result! Great to have the late night support at home in New Zealand as well hanging in there with the team. Scorecard | https://t.co/vvhGBsYknh #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/a26tUs1Qlz
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 19, 2018
From 147/4 to lose chasing 176 required a special effort not just from NZ but from Pakistan. Only Pak can provide such thrillers out of easy victories. Well done to NZ and bad luck Pak #PakvNZ
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 19, 2018
Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory #PAKvNZ
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) November 19, 2018
what a test match, oye hoye #PAKvNZ
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) November 19, 2018
You give your 100% man don't worry it's part of game stay strong 💪 #PAKvNZ 🏏 pic.twitter.com/Jxt7S6uANP
— waqas 🇵🇰🏏 (@icricketfreak) November 19, 2018
Close enough
👇#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/TvxIIoyki8
— S̶h̶a̶n̶i̶ (@Andhair_Nagri) November 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/ImSpero/status/1064490367213608960
When you want to crumble and throw away a Test Match……. Introducing Pakistan…. 🏏 #PakvNZ pic.twitter.com/djwYvQQKYk
— James (@Surreycricfan) November 19, 2018
The lone warrior..fought till the end.
Keep your head high champ.#AzharAli#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/cFv2aWfTPR— S. (@ecstasy_404) November 19, 2018
How Pakistan managed to lose Test in UAE against NZ by 4 runs chasing a modest 176 beats me. Ah, but then it’s Pakistan. #PAKvNZ
— Minhaz Merchant (@MinhazMerchant) November 19, 2018