PAK vs NZ 1st Test: Pakistan dismiss New Zealand for 153; Williamson shines with half-century

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, after missing last Sunday's third one-day international due to a groin injury, stood out with his 27th half-century in the longest format of the game

With the deadly bowling attack of Mohammed Abbas, Yasir Shah and Haris Sohail, Pakistan has strengthened its hold on New Zealand on the opening day of the first Test at the Sheikh Zayed stadium in Abu Dhabi.

For Pakistan, Leg-spinner Yasir Shah led the varied attack with 3/54. Despite winning the toss, New Zealand was bowled out at just 153 runs in 66.3 overs. 

However, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, after missing last Sunday's third one-day international due to a groin injury, stood out with his 27th half-century in the longest format of the game.

The day saw 12 wickets fall on the grass-less Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch. Pakistan lost the two early wickets in form of Imam-ul-Haq (six) and Mohammad Hafeez (20) before Haris Sohail (22 not out) and Azhar Ali (10 not out) batted maturely to put a crucial 32-run stand that put their squad in a much comfortable position. 

In order to enforce a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, Pakistan need 94 more runs.

New Zealand’s 30-year-old left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel was handed Test debut, leaving out experienced pacer Tim Southee. The second Test is in Dubai (November 24-28) and third in Abu Dhabi. 

BRIEF SCORES: New Zealand 153 (Kane Williamson 63; Yasir Shah 3-54, Haris Sohail 2-11, Mohammad Abbas 2-13, Hasan Ali 2-38) lead Pakistan (Haris Sohail 22*, Mohammad Hafeez 20; Colin de Grandhomme 1-17, Trent Boult 1-20) by 94 runs