The BLACKCAPS are taking stock of a first Test series victory over Pakistan in 31 years.
Captain Kane Williamson rated Tuesday’s thrilling late win in Hamilton ‘right up there’ in his career achievements.
“This will go down as a great Test victory,” he said.
Tim Southee appeals for a wicket. Image: www.photosport.nz
“It all happened pretty quickly. With the new ball around the corner, we thought if we could open up an end, and get a new batsman out to face the new ball, we would be in with a slim sniff. For it to completely flip-turn was something pretty sudden, certainly.
"The wicket of Sarfraz was a big moment, but I guess when you take nine wickets in a session, they are all pretty big moments. It’s very special and the guys are extremely stoked.”
Williamson felt his positive declaration on day four played a key role in the unlikely victory.
Colin de Grandhomme is congratulated by his teammates. Image: www.photosport.nz
“Giving them an opportunity to chase down the total got them to play a few shots which then gave us an opportunity to take some wickets.
“We bowled well as a unit, stayed patient and we were able to get our fruits at the end of the day.
Coach Mike Hesson was at Carisbrook in 1985 when New Zealand sealed their last Test series win over Pakistan.
“I remember it vividly, I was watching with my Dad. I recall Lance Cairns getting hit in the head and the whole crowd falling silent. I also remember that last partnership and how the expectation grew as they went on. It was special to be there that day.
“We’re very aware of our history and knew Pakistan would have to play really well to win.
Matt Henry celebrates a wicket. Image: www.photosport.nz
“I think it was building up all day, we’d done 80 overs of hard grind to get the game to that position. The run rate kept going up and up and that was our plan really.”
Assessing the series whitewash as a whole, Hesson was particularly pleased with the way his side adjusted from India.
“To play Pakistan who did well in England in conditions that were similar and to come straight from India without warm-up games for our guys and to be able to put in a performance like that was very pleasing.”
There’s no time to bask in the glow of the win however with the team departing for Australia on Wednesday for the Chappell-Hadlee Series, with the first game at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.
