BLACKCAPS v Pakistan, 1st Test, Bay Oval

Posted Saturday, 26 December, 2020 in International Match Reports
The BLACKCAPS entered the final session of the Test requiring six more wickets for victory. PHOTOSPORT

Old Firm drop anchor on day one

Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor combined for their 10th 100+ run-partnership to bat the BLACKCAPS out of a 13-2 hole after being asked to bat by Pakistan on day one of the Boxing Day Test in Mount Maunganui.

SCORECARD

On a green and lively Bay Oval pitch, openers Tom Latham and Tom Blundell were early victims of Shaheen Afridi - caught in the cordon as the home side were reduced to 13-2 in the 11th over.

As they have done so often, it was Williamson and Taylor to the rescue as the experienced pair patiently saw out the dangerous early overs with the run-rate staying below two for most of the first session.

The runs came easier as the day worn on, the pitch settled down and the Pakistan bowlers spent more time in the sun.

Taylor eventually fell to Afridi (3-55) for 70 as Williamson (94*) batted on with the help of Henry Nicholls (42*) to be well placed at stumps on 222-3.

As it happened...

The BLACKCAPS entered the final session of the Test requiring six more wickets for victory. PHOTOSPORT

Williamson ton & partnerships power BLACKCAPS to 431

A 23rd Test century to Kane Williamson and half-centuries by Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling helped the BLACKCAPS through to 431 on the second day against Pakistan at Bay Oval.

SCORECARD

Pakistan managed to withstand a testy final hour losing just the one wicket to Kyle Jamieson late in the piece, while Neil Wagner faces an anxious night ahead after being struck on his right foot while bowling.

As it happened...

The BLACKCAPS entered the final session of the Test requiring six more wickets for victory. PHOTOSPORT

Bowlers break Pakistan resistance

A highly-discplined bowling display by the BLACKCAPS has seen them push further ahead in the first Test, as they bowled Pakistan out for 239 on a weather-affected third day in Mount Maunganui.

SCORECARD

By tea, a whopping 25 maidens had been tossed down to the visitors whose scorecard read a rather sickly 112-6 after 67 overs.

Their innings was resurrected by captain Mohammad Rizwan (71) and Faheem Ashraf (91) who combined for a defiant 107 run partnership to help their side pass the follow on mark.

The towering figure of Kyle Jamieson (3-35) was once again the stand-out Kiwi bowler, alongside the indefatiguable Neil Wagner (2-50) who played through the pain of a confirmed fracture in his fourth right toe.

Tim Southee and Trent Boult also did their bit with a brace of wickets each, while Mitchell Santner produced arguably the play of the day by running out Rizwan to break the big partnership.

The BLACKCAPS will resume tomorrow with a 192 run lead and a declaration later in the day on their mind.

The BLACKCAPS entered the final session of the Test requiring six more wickets for victory. PHOTOSPORT

Southee claims 300th Test wicket as BLACKCAPS push towards win

Tim Southee joined Sir Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori in New Zealand's exclusive 300 Test wicket club, as the BLACKCAPS pushed to within seven wickets of victory on day four at Bay Oval.

The 32-year-old right armer led the way for his side by picking up wickets either side of tea after Kane Williamson's second session declaration left Pakistan requiring 373 runs for victory from 136 overs.

SCORECARD

As it happened...

The BLACKCAPS entered the final session of the Test requiring six more wickets for victory. PHOTOSPORT

Jamieson and Wagner inspire late drama

The first PSO Carient Test against Pakistan went down to the wire with the BLACKCAPS claiming six wickets after tea to claim a dramatic final session victory at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

SCORECARD

The game looked to be meandering to a draw late on the final day with only one wicket falling in the first two sessions, before Kyle Jamieson blew the match open.

Jamieson would then pick up the wicket of Yasir Shah before a Neil Wagner double-strike left Pakistan 259-8 entering the final 15 overs.

After drinks it was spinner Mitchell Santner to the fore, as he first dimsissed Mohammad Abbas LBW before a dramatic final wicket sealed a 101 run victory. 

Earlier the BLACKCAPS donned black arm bands to honour former Test cricketer and widely respect coaching director John F Reid.

As it happened...

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