New Zealand have defeated Pakistan in the second Test match to win the series 2-0 after the visitors collapsed in the final session on Tuesday. Pakistan batsmen suffered a major batting collapse, losing nine wickets in the last session, to hand New Zealand a 138-run win when they were chasing 369 runs to win, which was always going to be challenging.
It is such matches, which makes the longer format even more interesting. One cannot lose focus in any of the sessions during a Test match, and Pakistan learned it the hard way.
The match was, in fact, heading towards a draw after their top order had played some good cricket with Azhar Ali and Sami Aslam scoring 131 runs for the first wicket.
Aslam was brilliant, scoring 90 runs, and they were in a decent position even after the dismissal of the two openers as they were 159-2. But things went from good to bad in a matter of overs as they lost their last eight wickets in a span of 71 runs, which was embarrassing after a good start.
It was the second new ball, which did the trick for New Zealand as the Black Caps bowlers' took the last six wickets for only 26 runs in 11 overs. Neil Wagner finished with three wickets. Tim Southee, who took two wickets in the second innings, was awarded the man of the match for his eight-wicket haul in the second Test.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was pleased with the series win, and praised his bowlers for being patient even when things were not going well for them.
"They (Pakistan) batted for a long period of time, and they looked comfortable. When the run-rate goes up, the pressure rises, though. The credit goes to the bowlers for being nice and patient. The way Latham played and set up the first innings was excellent. To see Ross at his best was awesome to see. We were under pressure, and Pakistan showed why they were the No.2 side in Tests," Williamson said.
