Pakistan Defeat Kiwis--Level Test Series

[Riaz Haq]

After a string of 12 test match losses over the last three years, Pakistan won convincingly today against New Zealand by 141 runs at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Pakistan's bowling attack, the Akmal brothers superb batting performance and patient scoring and leadership by Mohammad Yousuf were crucial in winning.

Ross Taylor's valiant second innings stand that added 97 runs couldn't save the Kiwis from defeat. In the end, 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) beat New Zealand 99 (Asif 4-40, Kaneria 3-6) and 263 (Taylor 97, Asif 5-67, Kaneria 3-94) by 141 runs

Pakistan's terrible test cricket performance has been in sharp contrast to its successes in T20 matches, including the World Championship.

As always, Pakistanis owe their test win to the great bowling attack led by Asif and Kaneria. The win came in spite of the lackluster Pakistani fielding with over half dozen dropped catches, particularly in the second innings.

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