Brilliant Bond fashions Kiwi victory
New Zealand went 1-0 ahead in the series against Pakistan when they won the first Test in Dunedin by 32 runs in an exciting finish on the final day on November 28.
Needing 251 for victory, the visitors were dismissed for 215 in their second innings thanks mainly to persistent spells of fiery bowling by comeback star Shane Bond (3/46), well supported by fellow pacers Ian O’Brien (3/63) and Chris Martin (2/45). Skipper Daniel Vettori also chipped in with his left-arm spinners to take 2 for 51. Debutant Umar Akmal batted brilliantly again to score 75 after his century in the first innings. Skipper Mohammad Yousuf contributed 41.
Leading by 97 runs in the first innings, the Kiwis were bundled out for 153 in their second innings, the wrecker-in-chief being Mohammad Asif again who took 4 for 43. Umar Gul took 3 for 41 while Mohammad Aamer claimed 2 for 29. Ross Taylor was the top scorer with 59.
Pakistan’s first innings total of 332 included a brilliant 129 by Umar Akmal, who added 176 runs for the sixth wicket with elder brother Kamran Akmal (82) to pull the team out of the woods. Bond was the most successful bowler taking 5 for 107. Martin (3/63) and Vettori (2/64) also bowled well.
New Zealand made 429 in their first innings with two batsmen – Taylor (94) and Vettori (99) – being dismissed in their nineties. Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill also made useful contributions of 78 and 60 respectively. Asif was the pick of the bowlers by taking 4 for 108.
Bond was adjudged Man of the Match.
Brief scores: New Zealand 429 (Vettori 99, Taylor 94, McCullum 78, Guptill 60; Asif 4/108) and 153 (Taylor 59; Asif 4/43, Gul 3/41); Pakistan 332 (U Akmal 129, K Akmal 82; Bond 5/107, Martin 3/63) and 218 (U Akmal 75; Bond 3/46, O’Brien 3/63). New Zealand won by 32 runs.
