New Zealand v Pakistan, 1st Test, Day 2 Review: Debutant Colin de Grandhomme stars for hosts with a six wicket haul

Colin de Grandhomme became New Zealand’s most successful debutant bowler, taking six for 41 as Pakistan folded for just 133 in 55.5 overs in their first innings of the first Test. The 30-year-old medium pacer, a surprise selection in the New Zealand side, totally justified his place in the team and made life difficult for the Pakistan batsmen. A good part of the blame can also be put on the poor shot sections.

The batting side had no answer to the swinging and seaming medium pace deliveries. Another debutant, opener Jeet Raval who replaced the out of form Martin Guptill in the squad, also had an impressive start to his Test career, stroking a fine fifty apart from pocketing three catches at slip.

After a wash-out on Thursday, play finally got under way on a sunny day two at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Kane Williamson began the day on a great note winning the toss and making the obvious decision to bowl first on a green wicket. His decision proved to be gold as his moustache sporting debutant responded with the best figures by New Zealander on debut.

The third generation cricketer, whose grandfather and father both played FC cricket in Zimbabwe, was at his absolute best. The years of domestic experience could be sensed in the way he utilised the conditions in his favour to dismantle an opposition who were high on confidence following impressive performances in England and UAE. New Zealand would also find their performance as a great relief after the drubbing in India.

The Pakistanis made a quite steady start making New Zealand wait for over 12 overs for their first breakthrough, and it came courtesy the De Grandhomme who shattered the stumps of Azhar Ali’s. And, from thereon, it was a wickets fest. Sami Aslam was the next to follow when Raval pouched him at second slip off Tim Southee. De Grandhomme then added Babar Azam and the crucial wicket of Younis Khan to inflict further damage.

The batsmen were thoroughly tested thereafter, and only a few like Asad Shafiq and Misbah-ul-Haq could find ways to get going. Skipper Misbah looked like he had settled in making 31 while Shafiq also looked promising during his 16 runs knock. But, their effort to rebuild the innings could not materialise as De Grandhomme continued to enjoy his debut. The duo’s 32 runs stand for the 5th wicket was broken by him in the 35th over when Shafiq nicked one to Raval at slips.

Misbah went after quick runs but wickets kept falling as Southee and Boult chipped in with the wickets of Sarfraz Ahmed and Mohammad Amir. Misbah, too, eventually found himself dismissed after he miscued a slog and the sent the ball in air off Trent Boult. Williamson made no mistake and caught it safely at mid-off.

Grandhomme wrapped the innings by removing Sohail Khan, his fifth and Rahat Ali to finish with the record breaking figures. Only seven other New Zealand bowlers have taken five or more wickets on debut. The previous record bowling figures on debut were Alex Moir’s six for 155 against England 65 years ago.

New Zealand did not get off to the start they would have wanted as Mohammad Amir had Tom Latham lbw for 1. Sohail Khan got the big wicket of Kane Williamson, caught at first slip, not long after, and the hosts were reduced to 15 for 2. But then debutant Jeet Raval (55*) saw off the new ball efficiently to steady proceedings and along with Henry Nicholls (29*) as they put together an unbeaten 64-run partnership by stumps.

Brief Scores: 

Pakistan: 133 all out (Misbah ul Haq 31; Colin de Grandhomme 6/41)

New Zealand: 104/3 (Jeet Raval 55; Mohammad Amir 1/19)