New Zealand vs Pakistan, First Test: Test cricket is up and running

New Zealand second innings

B.J. Watling and Nicholls were involved in a crucial century partnership in the second innings

The Kiwis second innings started in a disastrous manner when their opener Tom Latham was knocked over by Hasan Ali with no runs on the board. But the other opener Jeet Raval put on 86 runs with Williamson. The latter was dismissed off a beauty from Yasir Shah.

The loss of Williamson’s wicket brought about the third collapse in the match in which New Zealand lost 3 wickets for 22 runs. A 112 run partnership for the fourth wicket between B.J. Watling and Nicholls brought New Zealand back into the game.

Both Watling and Nicholls reached their respective 50s. At that stage, it looked like New Zealand would take an overall lead of 250. Nicholls played two crucial innings in the Test match for New Zealand before trying to hoick Yasir Shah and was caught behind. That brought both Yasir Shah and Pakistan back into the game.

Yasir Shah and Hasan Ali initiated the fourth collapse of the match as New Zealand slipped from 220 for 4 to 249 all out. Both Yasir Shah and Hasan Ali took 5 wickets each.

That left Pakistan with a score of 176 for win.