Pakistan collapse to first series defeat to NZ in 30 years

As if their 0-2 whitewash against New Zealand was not enough, Pakistan received another blow on Tuesday when they were fined for a slow over rate during the second and final Test in Hamilton.

Pakistan’s stand-in skipper Azhar Ali felt the remarkable collapse in the second Test with New Zealand was brought on by his side’s desire to win the match and level the series.

The match was, in fact, heading towards a draw after their top order had played some good cricket with Azhar Ali and Sami Aslam scoring 131 runs for the first wicket.

Just as it looked like everything was going to happen a little too late, New Zealand grasped the new ball and ripped through Pakistan in dramatic fashion, to claim a 2-0 series victory.

Babar Azam, top-scorer in the first innings, made 16 then followed in the manner of his captain, dragging an innocuous delivery from Santner onto his wicket.

He went on Saturday to his second half century in as many Tests, matching his achievement of his debut Test in Christchurch last week which New Zealand won by seven wickets. Only 38.1 overs of play was possible in the entire day.

With a minimum of 98 overs to be bowled on the final day, Pakistan at least 62 overs left to score the 293 runs it needs for victory at a run-rate of 4.73.

Pakistan began the day on 1 for no loss after Ross Taylor’s 102 not out had helped New Zealand declare at 313 for 5 on Day Four, thereby setting Pakistan a target of 369.

Taylor and Latham had both struggled for runs through the recent South Africa and India tours as well as the first Test against Pakistan. Yasir Shah, on the field as a substitute, swooped in from point and hit the stumps at the keeper’s end with an underarm flick, and it took multiple replays from multiple angles for the third umpire to give Latham the benefit of doubt. “They showed that today, but we were able to stick at it and get the result”.

“We were under pressure, they’re a very strong side and are not number two in the world for no reason”, Williamson said in a televised interview.

After New Zealand faced only one ball of their second innings before rain ended play on Sunday, Latham and Jeet Raval played patiently through 28 deliveries at the start on Monday before getting the scoreboard moving.