Debutants shine as Black Caps flog Pakistan

New Zealand, however, were the more fortunate of the two sides that had their debutants keep them in front right from the onset.

After Sohail’s dismissal, Shafiq took his chances to get as many runs as possible and did not shield the tail.

Ali was gone for 15 and what was to be Pakistan’s second highest partnership of 31 was over.

The second Test begins from November 25, in Hamilton, where New Zealand could seal their first series win against Pakistan since 1984-85.

“Misbah is a fantastic leader, certainly a great middle order batter and a world class player”, Williamson said. But the way that four seamers got into spells and held their areas for long periods at a time, it was world-class.

De Grandhomme, who took 6-41 in the first innings – the best-ever figures by a New Zealander on test debut – claimed his seventh wicket of the match when he dismissed opener Sami Aslam for 7. New Zealand made a rocky start to their reply when the experienced Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor – with 158 tests between them – could muster only 16 runs in total.

Umpire Ian Gould ruled not out and New Zealand’s review was lost when the ball-tracker showed the delivery would have missed the off stump by a hair’s breadth.

Not even in England, where Pakistan toured this year and secured a meritorious 2-2 series draw. “They had done their homework on us”, he said. It’s making sure we’re prepared for that.

Paksitan’s Sohail Khan, Rahat Ali and Mohammad Amir had earlier shared the wickets to bundle the hosts out for 200 about 30 minutes before lunch.

Pakistan in their second innings had set a moderate victory target of 105 which was achieved by New Zealand for the loss of only two wickets. However, Pakistan refused to pin the blame on the seam-friendly conditions.

“I think Christchurch was an excellent pitch”.

The first day’s play on Thursday was washed out.

A Neil Wagner short-ball onslaught has lifted New Zealand to the brink of victory in the first Test against Pakistan in Christchurch.

Hesson defended his batsmen, arguing they had to deal with challenging overhead conditions and accurate Pakistan fast bowling on Saturday.