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Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st Test Match Summary

PAK vs NZ, 2018 - Test Summary

Pakistan vs New Zealand Scorecard
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Match Ended   
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi , Nov 16, 2018
Pakistan Pakistan
227&171 (58.4)
New Zealand New Zealand
153&249
New Zealand beat Pakistan by 4 runs
  • Player of the Match
    Ajaz Patel
NZ 153/10
Bat Top Batsmen
<a href=/cricket/players/1058-kane-williamson-playerprofile>Kane Williamson</a>
Kane Williamson
63 (112)
  • 5x4s
  • 0x6s
  • 56.25SR
<a href=/cricket/players/50834-henry-michael-nicholls-playerprofile>Henry Nicholls</a>
Henry Nicholls
28 (78)
  • 4x4s
  • 0x6s
  • 35.89SR
Bowl Top Bowlers
Bowler
Yasir Shah
ECON 3.27
16.3
OVERS
54/3
R/W
Bowler
Haris Sohail
ECON 1.37
8
OVERS
11/2
R/W
PAK 227/10
Bat Top Batsmen
<a href=/cricket/players/59905-mohammad-babar-azam-playerprofile>Babar Azam</a>
Babar Azam
62 (109)
  • 5x4s
  • 0x6s
  • 56.88SR
<a href=/cricket/players/1497-asad-shafiq-playerprofile>Asad Shafiq</a>
Asad Shafiq
43 (93)
  • 5x4s
  • 1x6s
  • 46.23SR
Bowl Top Bowlers
Bowler
Trent Boult
ECON 2.94
18.2
OVERS
54/4
R/W
Bowler
Colin de Grandhomme
ECON 2.30
13
OVERS
30/2
R/W
NZ 249/10
Bat Top Batsmen
<a href=/cricket/players/1226-bradley-watling-playerprofile>BJ Watling</a>
BJ Watling
59 (145)
  • 5x4s
  • 0x6s
  • 40.68SR
<a href=/cricket/players/50834-henry-michael-nicholls-playerprofile>Henry Nicholls</a>
Henry Nicholls
55 (171)
  • 3x4s
  • 0x6s
  • 32.16SR
Bowl Top Bowlers
Bowler
Hasan Ali
ECON 2.54
17.4
OVERS
45/5
R/W
Bowler
Yasir Shah
ECON 2.97
37
OVERS
110/5
R/W
PAK 171/10
Bat Top Batsmen
<a href=/cricket/players/1468-azhar-ali-playerprofile>Azhar Ali</a>
Azhar Ali
65 (136)
  • 5x4s
  • 0x6s
  • 47.79SR
<a href=/cricket/players/1497-asad-shafiq-playerprofile>Asad Shafiq</a>
Asad Shafiq
45 (81)
  • 4x4s
  • 0x6s
  • 55.55SR
Bowl Top Bowlers
Bowler
Ajaz Patel
ECON 2.49
23.4
OVERS
59/5
R/W
Bowler
Neil Wagner
ECON 2.07
13
OVERS
27/2
R/W
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That's it from this game then! Pakistan have stunned themselves more than anyone by choking so badly. Can they recover from this in 4 days' time? The second Test will be played in Dubai, from Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 10 am local (0600 GMT). ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Kane Williamson says that the team knew that the surface wasn't the easiest to bat on and a lot of scrappy batting was required. Observes that plenty of turn was available from even Day 1 and is happy to have come out on the right side of the result. Admits that there are a few batting issues to be resolved but then praises the effort put in. Has words of praise for the attitude shown, especially during the times when wickets fell in clumps. Praises Ajaz and Sodhi for bowling tirelessly this morning and does not know what might have happened had they not applied the pressure. Agrees that there are plenty of 'little' areas which need to be worked over but in the larger perspective of the game, Williamson says that he is more pleased with the attitude shown.
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed admits that he is very disappointed. Says that when his side lost 3 quick wickets, it seemed like the match was over but then the Azhar-Shafiq stand revived fortunes. To lose from there, is even more heartbreaking, he adds. Praises Ajaz Patel for his accuracy but then believes his batsmen could have shown more patience. Admits that in the first place, this game should not have gone down to the wire and the batsmen should have played more shots. But when it did, then they should have shown some application. Hopes to learn from these mistakes in the future.
AJAZ PATEL HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Says that his game plan was pretty simple. New Zealand believed that they could keep plugging away and thanks the almighty for letting that happen. Credits the relaxed environment in the dressing room for helping the players absorb the pressure and not overdo things. On his debut, he says that he just tried to remind himself of all the hard work that he has done to get to this stage and on his bowling, he says that he just tried to keep it simple.
Ajaz Patel has a chat with Danny Morisson. The former smiles on being given the ball on having got a 5-fer. Says that it is a very special feeling to have done well and led your team to a win. Stresses further that they played the 'Kiwi' way of cricket, not giving up till the last ball. On the words during the Lunch break, Ajaz says that the discussion was just to keep it simple and not give anything away. Adds that it is quite rewarding to win a game for your country after all the hard work he has put in all these years. Stay tuned for the presentation...
The Babar run out seemed to inspire New Zealand and Pakistan both. The bowling side sensed that they can run through the lower order. The batting unit felt that they needed to get things done quickly. Atrocious shots were played, to say the least and only Azhar Ali seemed to be calm under pressure. However, perhaps he could have batted a bit better with the tail - maybe played more shots?
It seemed to be a non-eventful ball. Flicked towards square leg. Could have been a single, would not have mattered even if it was a dot ball. But then, communication was given no respect by either of the two Pakistan batsmen. Babar Azam was admiring the fielding effort while Azhar Ali desperately wanted the single. Neither a yes, nor a no. Just run and watch. What transpired was a run out, that of Babar and the game turned on its head.
One would back the batting side, of course, you would say. But Pakistan, being Pakistan, played just like Pakistan. There is a great degree of mercury rising involved when they play - irrespective of whether they win or lose and today was no less. It all started with a small incident. Really small. Perhaps the phone line was dead. Perhaps there was no network. But why did Azhar Ali not even TRY to call?
There were a few twists this morning, with Pakistan losing three wickets quickly for 8 runs. However, when Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq got a partnership going, it seemed like the writing was on the wall. Even if Asad Shafiq did get out on the last ball before Lunch - just figure this out - 46 runs needed, 6 wickets in hand and plenty of overs left. Whom would you back?
Coming to the match - not quite sure how and where Pakistan lost the game. They made New Zealand collapse from 111/3 to 153 all out and got a lead of 74 in the first innings. Managed to get a decent lead of 74. Then, just when it seemed like the Kiwis were taking the game away, Pakistan restricted them to 249 in the second dig, taking the last 6 wickets for just 29 runs. And then, they raced to 40, without losing a sweat.
Let us take a breather, folks. What did New Zealand have during the Lunch break? Jubilation for the Kiwis. Heartbreak for Pakistan. This is the first time any team has lost by 4 runs in Test cricket. Lowest margin of defeat for Pakistan. Smallest margin of victory for New Zealand. As my colleague, THEONE, usually says to express his feelings - Wow. Just wow.
58.4
W
Ajaz Patel To Azhar Ali OUT!
OUT! New Zealand win by 4 runs. What a Test match! Azhar Ali looks devastated as the Ball Tracker shows the ball to be hitting the top of middle. The decision will remain and Pakistan have imploded quite spectacularly again! The ball was landing on leg and turns enough to beat the outside edge of Azhar Ali who was ahead to defend this one. It goes on to hit his back leg and the umpire thinks a bit before raising his finger. Pakistan had to review but unfortunately for Azhar, it just wasn't his day. It's been a great innings but just couldn't hold his nerve to cross the line in the end. On the other hand though, credit must go to the visitors who came spitting fire after Lunch! And also to some crazy running between Babar Azam and Azhar Ali which began this downfall. The Black Caps will have to be given a lot of appreciation for their 'never-say-die' attitude.
Azhar has been adjudged LBW! The decision though has been reviewed...
58.3
0
Ajaz Patel To Azhar Ali
Similar ball and similar shot again, again the run is declined.
58.2
0
Ajaz Patel To Azhar Ali
Shorter outside off, Ali guides it to deep third man but doesn't run.
58.1
0
Ajaz Patel To Azhar Ali
Flighted outside off, Azhar is drawn forward to drive it to cover-point but no run taken.
Over 58 : 171/9
1 Runs
M. Abbas
0 (10)
A. Ali
65 (132)
N. Wagner
13-4-27-2
57.6
0
Neil Wagner To Mohammad Abbas
Bowls a bouncer, Abbas does well to duck under it.
57.5
1
Neil Wagner To Azhar Ali
Slow bouncer, the batsman plays it towards third man. The batsmen take a run.
57.4
0
Neil Wagner To Azhar Ali
HAHA! Azhar tries something different. Length delivery outside off stump, Azhar goes for the scoop but misses it completely and gets beaten. Wagner starts to appeal for the catch but then bails out.
57.3
0
Neil Wagner To Azhar Ali
Short of a length delivery, the batsman got a low bounce and he pulls it towards mid-wicket.
57.2
0
Neil Wagner To Azhar Ali
Short of a length delivery again, Azhar again pulls it towards square leg.
57.1
0
Neil Wagner To Azhar Ali
Short of a length delivery, Azhar pulls it towards mid-wicket.
Over 57 : 170/9
1 Runs
A. Ali
64 (127)
M. Abbas
0 (9)
A. Patel
23-4-59-4
56.6
1
Ajaz Patel To Azhar Ali
Sensible batting from Ali, he comes down the wicket and drives to long off to pick up a single and retains strike. Only six required now!
56.5
0
Ajaz Patel To Azhar Ali
Full ball at the pads, Azhar reverse sweeps it but short third man comes around and stops the single.
56.4
0
Ajaz Patel To Azhar Ali
Slower through the air, Azhar is half ahead and adjusts well to defend this one after it turns away slightly.
56.3
0
Ajaz Patel To Azhar Ali
Comes down the wicket and hits this full one to long off. No run taken.
56.2
0
Ajaz Patel To Azhar Ali
Shorter outside off, cut away to deep point but no run taken.
56.1
0
Ajaz Patel To Azhar Ali
Full and on middle, Azhar defends it back to the bowler.
Over 56 : 169/9
1 Runs
M. Abbas
0 (9)
A. Ali
63 (121)
N. Wagner
12-4-26-2
55.6
0
Neil Wagner To Mohammad Abbas
Full toss around off stump, Abbas defends off the front foot. Wagner fields and throws it back at the stumps but Abbas never left his crease.
55.5
1
Neil Wagner To Azhar Ali
Length delivery outside off stump, the batsman plays the upper cut towards third man. The fielder could not quite get to the ball. The batsmen take a run. 7 more needed now.
Full Commentary
Match Info
  • Venue Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
  • Weather Sunny
  • Toss New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat
  • Result New Zealand beat Pakistan by 4 runs
  • Player of the Match Ajaz Patel
  • Umpire Bruce Oxenford (AUS), Ian Gould (ENG) and Paul Reiffel (AUS)
  • Referee Javagal Srinath (IND)
Match Notes
  • Stumps: Pakistan 59/2 in 23.0 overs
  • Pakistan 50/2 in 21.2 overs
  • Drinks: Pakistan 27/2 in 8.3 overs
  • Tea: New Zealand 153/10 in 66.3 overs
  • Innings Break: New Zealand 153/10 in 66.3 overs
  • New Zealand 153/9 in 65.5 overs
  • N Wagner dropped on 6 by Y Shah in 57.6 overs
  • New Zealand 133/8: BJ Watling lbw b Haris Sohail 10(35)
  • Referral 2 (54.1 ovs): BJ Watling against PAK (LBW) Unsuccessful (PAK: 2, NZ: 0)
  • New Zealand 128/7: I Sodhi lbw b Haris Sohail 4(6)
  • Referral 1 (51.1 ovs): I Sodhi against PAK (LBW) Unsuccessful (PAK: 2, NZ: 1)
  • Drinks: New Zealand 123/5 in 49.1 overs
  • K Williamson 27th Test Fifty: 50 runs in 88 balls (4x4) (0x6)
  • New Zealand 101/3 in 41.2 overs
  • 4th wkt Partnership: 53 off 114 balls between K Williamson (28) and H Nicholls (25)
  • Lunch: New Zealand 81/4 in 37.0 overs
  • New Zealand 52/3 in 26.1 overs
  • Drinks: New Zealand 43/3 in 43.0 overs
  • Drinks: New Zealand 27/1 in 13.0 overs
  • Ajaz Patel makes his Test debut for New Zealand
  • Stumps: New Zealand 56/1 in 22.4 overs
  • 2nd wkt Partnership: 52 off 117 balls between J Raval (24) and K Williamson (25)
  • New Zealand 52/1 in 20.4 overs
  • Drinks: New Zealand 30/1 in 14.0 overs
  • Referral 1 (10.4 ovs): PAK against K Williamson (LBW) Unsuccessful (PAK: 1, NZ: 2)
  • Innings Break: Pakistan 227/10 in 83.2 overs
  • New ball taken: Pakistan 225/8 in 80.1 overs
  • B Azam 8th Test Fifty: 50 runs in 92 balls (5x4) (0x6)
  • Pakistan 200/7 in 73.0 overs
  • Drinks: Pakistan 184/6 in 68.0 overs
  • Pakistan 150/4 in 58.4 overs
  • Lunch: Pakistan 144/4 in 52.0 overs
  • 5th wkt Partnership: 52 off 78 balls between A Shafiq (24) and B Azam (24)
  • Pakistan 102/4 in 39.2 overs
  • Drinks: Pakistan 91/4 in 37.1 overs
  • Referral 1 (31.1 ovs): NZ against A Ali (LBW) Unsuccessful (PAK: 2, NZ: 1)
  • A Ali dropped on 19 by J Raval in 29.4 overs
  • 3rd wkt Partnership: 52 off 106 balls between A Ali (14) and H Sohail (34)
  • Stumps: Pakistan 37/0 in 8.0 overs
  • Innings Break: New Zealand 249/10 in 100.4 overs
  • H Ali maiden Test 5-wicket haul: 5/45 (17.4)
  • Y Shah 14th Test 5-wicket haul: 5/94 (34.0)
  • Drinks: New Zealand 227/7 in 93.2 overs
  • New Zealand 224/6 : de Grandhomme lbw b Yasir Shah 3(8)
  • Referral 5 (91.5 ovs): de Grandhomme against PAK (LBW) Unsuccessful (PAK: 0, NZ: 0)
  • New Zealand 220/5 : H Nicholls c Sarfraz Ahmed b Yasir Shah 55(171)
  • Referral 4 (89.4 ovs): H Nicholls against PAK (Caught) Unsuccessful (PAK: 0, NZ: 1)
  • 5th wkt Partnership: 100 off 282 balls between H Nicholls (49) and BJ Watling (51)
  • BJ Watling 15th Test Fifty : 51 runs in 129 balls (5x4) (0x6)
  • New ball taken: New Zealand 201/4 in 80.4 overs
  • Tea: New Zealand 200/4 in 80.0 overs
  • New Zealand 200/4 in 79.2 overs
  • H Nicholls 6th Test Fifty : 50 runs in 123 balls (3x4) (0x6)
  • Referral 3 (49.3 ovs): PAK against H Nicholls (LBW) Unsuccessful (PAK: 0, NZ: 2)
  • Drinks: New Zealand 169/4 in 65.0 overs
  • 5th wkt Partnership: 50 off 137 balls between H Nicholls (22) and BJ Watling (27)
  • New Zealand 152/4 in 59.3 overs
  • Lunch: New Zealand 134/4 in 50.0 overs
  • Referral 2 (49.3 ovs): BJ Watling against PAK (LBW) Successful (PAK: 1, NZ: 2) (Retained)
  • Drinks: New Zealand 104/2 in 37.0 overs
  • New Zealand 100/2 in 35.3 overs
  • A Patel maiden Test 5-wicket haul: 5/59 (23.4)
  • Pakistan 171/10: A Ali lbw b Ajaz Patel 65(136)
  • Referral 4 (58.4 ovs): A Ali against NZ (LBW) Unsuccessful (PAK: 1, NZ: 1)
  • Referral 3 (54.6 ovs): NZ against M Abbas (Caught) Unsuccessful (PAK: 2, NZ: 1)
  • Drinks: Pakistan 164/9 in 51.0 overs
  • A Ali 30th Test fifty: 50 runs in 91 balls (4x4) (0x6)
  • Referral 2 (46.3 ovs): Y Shah against NZ (Caught) Successful (PAK: 2, NZ: 2) (Retained)
  • Pakistan 154/6: S Ahmed c BJ Watling b Ajaz Patel 3(7)
  • Referral 1 (44.6 ovs): NZ against S Ahmed (LBW) Successful (PAK: 2, NZ: 2)
  • Pakistan 152/5 in 43.2 overs
  • Lunch: Pakistan 130/4 in 37.3 overs
  • Pakistan 102/3 in 30.1 overs
  • 4th wkt Partnership: 51 off 95 balls between A Ali (19) and A Shafiq (32)
  • Asad Shafiq completes 4000 runs in Test
  • Drinks: Pakistan 81/3 in 25.0 overs
  • Pakistan 50/3 in 14.2 overs
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