SM
Thursday, March 28
Upcoming predictions and previews

New Zealand secure top ranking with victory over Pakistan

:Headline: Result: New Zealand secure top ranking with victory over Pakistan: ID:428461: from db_amp
The tourists lost their last six wickets for 31 runs.

New Zealand became the world's top-ranked Test nation for the first time with a dramatic victory after a stunning collapse by Pakistan in the final session of the first Test in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday.

Resuming on 71 for three in pursuit of an unlikely 373 to win, the visitors lost only one wicket through two-and-a-half sessions, moving to 240 for four in the last session with 25 overs left.

The prospect of a draw loomed large thanks to a defiant fifth-wicket partnership of 165 runs in 63 painstaking overs from Fawad Alam – who took his overnight 21 to a superb 102 – and captain Mohammad Rizwan, who compiled 60 off 191 balls.

But when paceman Kyle Jamieson finally had Rizwan trapped lbw, it started an implosion in which Pakistan lost their last six wickets for 31 runs in 21.3 overs, ultimately being dismissed for 271 as New Zealand won by 101 runs.

Alam was dismissed three overs after his skipper, caught behind off medium pacer Neil Wagner after nearly five hours at the crease, and the Pakistan tail crumbled in dizzying fashion thereafter, with New Zealand's five main bowlers each ending with two wickets apiece.

New Zealand not only took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series but earned enough points to topple neighbours Australia from the top of the ICC's Test rankings.

The Black Caps thought they had at least claimed a share of top spot earlier this summer after a series win against the West Indies, but a clarification from the ICC had them stuck in second place by the barest of margins.

Fawad Alam's century was not enough to save Pakistan (Andrew Cornaga/AP)

New Zealand have a chance to enhance their status in the second Test from January 2, while Australia have two Tests left of their current home series against India, currently level at 1-1.

Captain Kane Williamson, who took player of the match for his 129 after New Zealand were put in to bat, praised his bowlers for their determination and persistence.

"There was a huge effort from the bowlers to get us across the line but a lot of credit goes to Pakistan for the way they fought in that second innings," he said.

"For all money it was going to be a draw until late in the piece.

"We were lucky to be on the right side of the result when we were up against a very tough side."

amp_article__428461 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-12-30 08:24:05:
html db last update - 2021-03-10 20:20:42 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .