Fawad, Rizwan’s defiance in vain as New Zealand win first Test

Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan defied New Zealand with an absorbing 165-run stand, to take the first Test into a final-session showdown on Wednesday, but it was not enough for the visitors to avoid defeat in Mount Maunganui.

The home side registered victory by 101 runs as Pakistan were dismissed for 271 while chasing a target of 373 runs.

At tea on day five, Pakistan were 215 for four, setting up a potentially gripping finish but Rizwan and Fawad departed in quick succession after the interval to leave New Zealand in the driving seat once again.

Fawad and Rizwan's partnership was the second highest by a fifth-wicket pairing for Pakistan in Test cricket in New Zealand, behind 258 runs by Inzamamul Haq and Saleem Malik in Wellington in February 1994.

Fawad was dismissed after scoring a brilliant century (102 off 269) while Rizwan contributed with 60 runs off 191 deliveries.

It is Fawad’s second highest score as he at last showed the promise expected of him after struggling since his recall against England in August after 11 years in the Test wilderness.

With 36 overs remaining, Pakistan need 158 to win while New Zealand need six more wickets in the final session. A draw would have all but end New Zealand's chance of making the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June.

A huge appeal for lbw by Kyle Jamieson was not given in the 103^rd over of the innings but captain Kane Williamson called for a review straightaway. Rizwan was batting slightly outside his crease but the ball kept a little low and hit him just below the knee roll. The Hawkeye confirmed that the ball struck a good chunk of middle and leg stumps. The decision was consequently overturned as the home side grabbed a much-needed wicket.

Soon after, Wagner’s short ball ended Fawad's colossal defiance as the left-hander gloved it down the leg side to BJ Watling. It was not a particularly threatening delivery by the pacer but Fawad failed to execute the pull shot and gave away his wicket.

The final four wickets fell while adding 29 runs to the total as New Zealand went one-nil up in the two-match Test series.

For the home side, it was a combined effort with the ball as Wagner, Boult, Southee, Santner, who also took a brilliant return catch for the final wicket, and Jamieson claimed two wickets each.

Captain Williamson bagged the award for player of the match for his 129-run knock in the first innings.