New Zealand Record Last Session Win Against Pakistan In First Test

Brodie Nickson

Editor

Last updated: Fri 01 Jan 2021 04:59

Brodie Nickson 01 Jan 2021

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New New Zealand recorded an amazing last session win against Pakistan at Tauranga
New Zealand looked to have the test won early on day five but met stubborn resistance
Mitchel Santner took the final wicket with a caught and bowled
New Zealand lead the test series 1-0

New Zealand celebrate their victory after taking the final wicket on the fifth day of the first cricket Test match between New Zealand and Pakistan at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on December 30, 2020. (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP via Getty Images)

New Zealand recorded an heart stopping final session victory over Pakistan in the first test at Tauranga to stamp themselves as the top test side in the world.

After having Pakistan 4/75 chasing 372 for victory on the morning of day five, New Zealand were forced to grind until the end of the test to take out victory.

When Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan joined Fawad Alam at the crease at 4/75, the New Zealand had the visitors on the ropes and victory only looked a matter of when not if, however, as the two Pakistan batsmen dug in, they combined to put on 165 runs for the fifth partnership.

Fawad Alam scored a memorable test century as he fought his way to 102 off 236 deliveries, his second career century and first for eleven years.

After scoring a century on debut in the second innings against Sri Lanka in 2009, at 35 years of age, Alam's innings was an impressive display of guts, determination and temperament, brining up the century with a pull shot behind square leg.

Although Rizwan (60) and Alam looked as though they had put Pakistan in a match saving position, as test cricket always goes, there was more twists to come when New Zealand pacemen Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner dismissed the pair in quick succession in the final session.

Drawing down to the end of the test with light disappearing, New Zealand crowded the bat before Mitchel Santner nabbed the last two wickets including a terrific caught and bowled to seal victory.