NZ v PAK, 2nd Test Review: New Zealand snatches victory in a dramatic last session

New Zealand, backed by a collective bowling effort from the bowlers, snapped nine wickets in a final session to seal a sealing a dramatic 138 runs win in the second and final Test and whitewash the hosts 2-0 series. Apart from that, this win also ends New Zealand’s odd winless streak at home. The last time New Zealand won a Test series against Pakistan, before this 2-0 win was way back in 1985. Since then, in 12 series Pakistan had managed to thwart the opposition very well in their home turf, beating them seven times while levelling on five occasions 5 were drawn.

It was a highly unexpected collapse triggered by the hosts which saw Pakistan bundle out for 230 after being 158/1 at tea they set themselves a target of 369 at the end of day four. The second new ball taken after the tea session made the difference, forcing Pakistan to slump to a 138-run defeat.

The match was heading towards a draw or at least the chances of New Zealand winning the match seemed zero, absolutely zero. In the last session, Pakistan were required to make 211 inside 34 overs left with nine wickets in hand. But, little did anyone expect those remaining wickets to fall in 24.3 overs including the last six which fell in just 11 overs.

Azhar Ali and Sami Aslam added 131 for the first wicket in 60 overs to add spice to the chase. New Zealand was made to play the waiting game on a pitch which offered very less help to the fast bowler despite having a greenish layer.

While Fast bowlers enjoyed goo returns in the match with Sohail Khan claiming 4/99 and Tim Southee  6/80 in the first innings. It can be safe said that the numbers they achieved was largely due to their efforts without relying on the surface very much.

Skipper Azhar Ali was the first to fall, getting cleaned up by falling to left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner. Babar Azam and Sami Aslam then played out the tea break before New Zealand bowlers created a storm.

Santner struck just after the break by chipping with his second clean bowled dismissal, getting better of Azam’s defence dragged a flighted ball outside off stump onto his stumps. Ali followed him soon and fell short of his maiden ton by 9 runs, opening the gates for the hosts. Sarfraz Ahmed’ run out then created panic as Pakistan were suddenly slipped to four down.

Kane Williamson took the new ball as if he was just waiting for the umpire to declare the availability. And, then as it happened, Henry struck in his first over with the new ball to give Asad Shafiq a duck. Grandhomme chipped in with the wicket of Sohail Khan.

Pakistan now had a tough task to surviving 11 overs and had no batsman capable of batting under pressure remaining. New Zealand was favourites. And, to the delight of all Kiwis fans, the win came almost immediately as Neil Wagner mopped the tail by adding the last three Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz and Imran Khan to his tally inside more 13 balls and finish a famous victory.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand, 1st innings: 271 all out (Jeet Raval 55; Sohail Khan 4/99) & 313/5d (Ross Taylor 102; Imran Khan 3/76)

Pakistan, 1st innings: 216 all out (B Azam 90; Tim Southee 6/80) & 230 all out (Sami Islam 91; Neil Wagner 3/57)

Result: New Zealand won by 138 runs and take the series 2-0

Player of the match – Tim Southee