New Zealand wins toss, bowls vs. Pakistan in 1st test

Pakistan reached stumps at 129-7, a lead of just 62, as New Zealand took control to be on the verge of a 1-0 series lead.

“Our top six know how to play long innings”. He had made scores of 31 and 13 in the Christchurch Test.

0 Individual fifties scored by Pakistan in this Test.

If New Zealand win or draw the second Test in Hamilton starting on Friday, they will clinch a first series defeat of Pakistan since 1985. They scored 200 against Pakistan at Lancester Park in Christchurch in 1994 to win the Test by five wickets.

“Without a doubt our bowling effort in the second innings was the decisive period”, Williamson said. “He was very calm, very relaxed, and stuck to the game plan”. The pressure eventually got on to Aslam, as he was caught behind off de Grandhomme (1-23).

For the hosts, Trent Boult scalped three wickets while Neil Wagner took two wickets. No Misbah puts more heat on Younis to deliver a strong performance in Hamilton.

He said New Zealand and Australia play fast cricket which we lack.

Pakistan’s away form has been much improved, drawing 2-2 with England in July-August, and not losing a series on the road since Sri Lanka in 2014.

Opening batsman Sharjeel Khan and middle order exponent Mohammad Rizwan are experienced limited overs players. But (one of the) reasons why they’re number two (in the world) is because they have depth and experience.

“I think it may have come on a little bit quicker than we’d like, but I’m not an optometrist, that’s for the specialists to decide”. It’s making sure we’re prepared for that.

Pakistan vice-captain Azhar Ali says they will be better for the experience.

For the Black Caps, it was their two debutants who stole the show, with Colin de Grandhomme taking six wickets and then scoring 29, only outscored by Jeet Raval, who opened with 55. It was an excellent pitch.

After the entire first day was lost to rain, New Zealand won the toss and bowled in conditions which saw the ball seam and swing.

Azhar added Misbah would be a big loss for his side, if he did not make it back in time for the match.