9 Jan 2011

Pakistan complete 10-wicket win against Black Caps

8:55 pm on 9 January 2011

Pakistan completed a thumping 10-wicket victory in the first Test over New Zealand inside three days at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Pakistan bowled the Black Caps out for just 110 in their second innings after the tea break.

The visitors had been given a victory target of just 19 runs after they established a 92-run first innings lead earlier on Sunday before left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman was again the principle tormenter of New Zealand's batsmen, taking three wickets for 24 runs and creating enormous pressure.

New Zealand had gone to tea at 33 for no loss, however they crumbled after the break, losing seven wickets for 35 runs.

Rehman, who was named man of the match, also combined magnificently with left-arm pace bowler Wahab Riaz, who ended with three for 38, while Umar Gul mopped up the tail to finish three for 28.

Mohamam Hafeez and Taufeeq Umar then wrapped up the victory in just 3.4 overs to guide the visitors to 21-0 and a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

"I think we fought pretty hard this morning to give ourselves a chance to come back into the game," said New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori after they had dismissed Pakistan for 367.

"I thought the three seam bowlers worked pretty hard and did a good job throughout the game, particularly Tim Southee.

"It was probably his best test match bowling performance I've seen from him ... but then to let it all slip with a familiar batting performance in the third innings, it just leaves a really sour taste."

The second Test begins in Wellington next Saturday.