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Wellington: A comprehensive 141-run win for Pakistan, who have leveled this series. Their catching may have been horrendous, but the bowling was top notch with both Asif, who now has 17 wickets in this series, and Aamer making frequent inroads through a line-up that simply failed to measure up to their accuracy and testing lengths.
After some indifferent cricket on Day 1, the next three days were completely dominated by them. Commensurations to New Zealand. They probably were out of the game on Day 2 itself, where they were shot out for 99.
None of the batsmen, apart from Ross Taylor looked comfortable in either of the innings and in the end, the Asian giants won by a whopping 141 runs. For Pakistan, Mohammad Asif was the star yet again, picking up 9 wickets for 107. He has taken his tally of wickets to 17 in this series. Even the other bowlers supported him well.
For the Kiwis, they bowled their heart out in the second innings, but a lead of 165 and a target of 405 was too much for them. Stay tuned for the post-match Presentation.
New Zealand's top order will look forward to playing in what has traditionally been a favourable batting wicket in Napier, but their technique is what has let them down in this series and are in need of a major repair work ahead of the next Test. Pakistan have now won their third consecutive game at the Basin Reserve, which, hosting its 50th Test, serves up a disappointment for the hosts.
"I thank mighty Allah and my team. The bowlers bowled very well, and Kamran Akmal batted well in the first innings. The way Umar Akmal plays sometimes, I find it difficult to stop him. A very good Test wicket, this. We missed catches, we'll try hard in the practice sessions. We are very happy after this win, it's come after a long time," said Yousuf
"Certain aspects of our play have been very disappointing, we lost the Test because we were bowled out for 99 in the first innings. Every one comes under scrutiny apart from Ross Taylor. We're happy with our bowling, we have been for a long time, hopefully they get a decent rest. Napier is known to be a bowler's graveyard, so hope the batting comes good there. An excellent wicket here in Wellington, " said Vettori
"I just enjoy my bowling. When we were batting, there was some seam movement. It was a sporting pitch, and if you pitch it in the right areas, it works well for you. We have a few days rest, and we hope to win in Napier," said Asif
Pakistan last won a Test in January 2007, and this one is a welcome break from the trend. The next Test begins on December 11.
Brief scores
Pakistan: 264 (Kamran Akmal 70, Vettori 4-53, Tuffey 4-64) and 239 (Yousuf 83, Umar Akmal 52, Martin 4-52, O'Brien 4-66)
New Zealand: 99 (Asif 4-40, Kaneria 3-6) and 263 (Taylor 97, Asif 5-67, Kaneria 3-94)
Result: Pakistan won by 141 runs
MOM: Mohammad Asif (Pakistan)
