New Zealand climb to No. 1 test spot with a series win against Pakistan .
In the 2nd and final test match of the series between New Zealand and Pakistan. New Zealand defeated Pakistan by an innings and 176 runs. With this win, NZ won the series 2-0 completing back to back clean sweeps at home. With this win, they pose as the No. 1 test team for the first time in history of test cricket.
1 st Innings: Pakistan 297/10. Azhar Ali 93(172), Rizwan 61(71), Kyle Jamieson 5/69, Tim Southee 2/61.
New Zealand 659/6 (d). Kane Williamson 238(364), Henry Nicholls 157(291), Mohammad Abbas 2/98.
2 nd Innings: Pakistan 186/10. Zafar Gohar 37(64), Kyle Jamieson 6/48, Trent Boult 3/43.
Man Of the Series : Kane Williamson
Man Of the Match : Kyle Jamieson
New Zealand takes a huge lead
In the 2 nd match of the series, NZ won the toss and opted to bowl first. Trent Boult provided NZ an early breakthrough. He trapped opener Masood 0(8) in front of the stumps. Pakistan stabilized with a partnership between Abid Ali 25(53) and Azhar Ali 93(172). But then Kyle Jamieson ran through Pakistan’s middle order picking up a five-for. Only after tough resistance from captain Rizwan 61(71) and Ashraf 48(88).
The Kiwi openers too couldn’t hang in for much time even after getting a comfortable start. With two back to back wickets, Blundell 16(54) and Latham 33(71), Pakistan bowlers were charged up. But Kane Williamson had a different plan. He stuck around there, scoring his 4 th international double hundred. He had a huge 369 runs partnership with Henry Nicholls 157(291). New Zealand were already well ahead in the game and declared the innings at 659/6 after Dary Mitchell 102(112) completed his maiden test ton.
New Zealand becomes the No. 1 test team
Trailing behind a huge margin of 362 runs was never an easy task for Pakistan. Almost everyone got starts but no one was able to capitalize on it. Kyle Jamieson again showed is class picking up 6 wickets and a ten-for in the match. He was well supported by his partner Trent Boult 3/43. Pakistan ended with 186/10 and history was created at Christchurch. New Zealand climbed to the No. 1 Spot in ICC test rankings for the first time in the history of test cricket.
With Kohli not playing and Smith not looking in great touch. Williamson might retain the No. 1 spot in test rankings for quite a long time now. New Zealand climb to No. 1 spot .
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