Pak bowlers hit back to restrict NZ to 200

He received the news before day four’s play on Sunday, where Pakistan lost to New Zealand by eight wickets at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval in the first test.

That their three-day practice match at Nelson had been washed out, exacerbated difficulties for Pakistan, though they did play a long Test series in England earlier this year.

The players saw the amusing side as Pakistan bowler Amir made a cheeky attempt to convince the umpire he touched the ball that would have seen Neil Wagner run out.

The situation of the game though is bleak for Pakistan, with the tourists leading by just 62 runs with three wickets left in their second innings.

The pitch seemed to have flattened out with little in it for the bowlers which was evident as the session progressed, as New Zealand’s confidence upped and eventually transceded into an increase in their run rate as well.

New Zealand also struggled in conditions that favored swing bowling and managed only 200 runs in its first innings, opening a 67-run lead without fully taking control of the match. Raval scored 55 in the first innings and backed up his effort with an unbeaten 36 in the second innings to complete a famous win for his side.

Todd Astle, making his second test appearance and his first since 2012, was out for a duck immediately after de Grandhomme to leave New Zealand at a shaky 146-7.

Tim Southee (3/53), Neil Wagner (3/34) and Trent Boult (3/37) removed Kahn, Asad Shafiq and Rahat Ali respectively before the Black Caps opener Tom Latham fell for 9. The 30-year-old all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme took 6-41 as New Zealand dismissed Pakistan in 55.5 overs in its first innings to claim the best innings figures by a New Zealander on test debut. Williamson has come in and played brilliantly for 46 looking to bring up his half-century and seal his first win at home as Test captain.

Late wickets saw New Zealand close in on victory against Pakistan in the first Test in Christchurch on Saturday.

Just when Pakistan were in danger of getting bowled out on day three, Sohail (22 not out) made a decision to deal in boundaries.

Misbah-ul-Haq is Pakistan cricket team’s Test captain.

The collapse would be disappointing for New Zealand given how well set they had been, but once Nicholls was trapped in front by Sohail after adding just one run the pattern for the session was established.