(BBC) Returning fast bowler Shane Bond inspired New Zealand to a thrilling 32-run victory in the first Test against Pakistan in Dunedin yesterday.
Bond, playing his first Test since 2007, followed his 5-107 in the first innings with 3-46 as Pakistan, set 251 to win, were skittled for 218. Bond’s second-innings haul included the crucial wickets of Mohammad Yousuf (41) and Umar Akmal (75).
Earlier, New Zealand, resuming on 147-8, were bundled out for 153. It was a final day that ebbed and flowed as New Zealand added only six runs to their overnight total of 147 for the loss of their final two wickets when play resumed. That left Pakistan chasing 251 for victory – a target that looked well beyond them when they were reduced to 24-3 inside the first 11 overs. But a composed half century from Umar to follow up his maiden Test hundred on debut swung the momentum back Pakistan’s way. When Yousuf departed for 41 after a 71-run partnership with Akmal, Shoaib Malik joined Akmal in the middle and together they steadily chipped away at the target. But five minutes before tea Iain O’Brien forced the error from Malik, who top-edged Brendon McCullum after the pair had put on 66. That left Pakistan at 165-5 at tea, needing 86 runs to win in the final session. That target looked gettable with Umar and Kamran Akmal at the crease but the brothers could not reproduce their heroics of the first innings, when they scored 176 runs for the sixth wicket to rescue Pakistan. When Umar was caught and bowled by Bond for 75, Pakistan still required another 56 runs, and the departure of Kamran five balls later for 27 saw Pakistan’s hopes fade further. Bond’s career has been blighted by injury since he burst onto the scene in 2001, to the extent he has only played 18 Tests, and he was banned by his own cricket board after joining the Indian Cricket League in 2008.
“It was perfect really, it’s why you want to play Test cricket because it is a true test and it has mental highs and lows,” said Bond, 34. “It was great cricket and to win in a team that’s working so hard as well makes it satisfying. The boys are putting in a lot of hard work and I think we are starting to reap the rewards for it which is nice.”
Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf was left to rue a slew of dropped catches following the defeat, with Imran Farhat missing several chances, including one off Daniel Vettori in the first innings when he was on nought. The New Zealand skipper went on to make 99. “The result is disappointing obviously but full credit goes to New Zealand for the way they played and the way they bowled in the second innings,” said Yousuf.
“We dropped vital catches, otherwise we wouldn’t be chasing 250, but I’m pleased with the way the team fought back.”