Pakistan defeated New Zealand in the first test match of the two test match series by 10 wickets. New Zealand made 275 runs in their first innings as good bowling performance from Tanvir Ahmad and Abdur Rehman restricted the home team under 300 runs. Tanvir Ahmad took 4 wickets and Abdur Rehman took 3 wickets in the first innings.
Pakistan on their reply performed a good batting performance from almost every player expect Mohammad Hafeez who got out on a duck in the first over of Pakistan’s first innings. A part from Hafeez every Pakistani batsman contributed well from the bat and fifties from Taufeeq Umar, Misbah-Ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq helped Pakistan to reach 367 runs with a first innings lead of 92 runs. Bj Arnel took 4 wickets for New Zealand.
New Zealand batting performed a disastrous show in their second innings as the whole team was bowled out for only 110 runs leaving Pakistan with a target of just 18 runs to register a victory. Only 4 New Zealand batsman reached double figures in second innings as an all round bowling performance from Umar Gull, Wahab Riaz and Abdur Rehman each taking 3 wickets outcl(–foul word(s) removed–)ed the New Zealand batting line up.Chasing a modest target of 18 runs Pakistan sealed the victory with a smashing straight drive from Taufeeq Umar in the 4th over.
With this victory, Pakistani team has got welcomed good news as their three players Mohammad Asif along with Mohammad Aamir and former captain Salman Butt are facing their hearings over the spot fixing scandal during the England tour last year. With the decision pending on Tuesday 11th January, Pakistan hopes to get another good news from off the field now as they try to become a strong and unified unit for the cricket world cup starting from 19th February.