29 Nov 2009

Black Caps steal famous victory over Pakistan

10:14 am on 29 November 2009

The return of pace bowler Shane Bond proved pivotal as the New Zealand cricketers completed a thrilling 32-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test at the University Oval in Dunedin.

Five late wickets in the final session secured the unlikely victory with Bond's three-wicket bag including the key scalp of 19-year-old Pakistan debutant Umar Akmal, out caught and bowled by man of the match Bond for 75.

Set 250 to win after the Black Caps were all out for 153 in the morning, Pakistan needed just 86 runs to win after tea but were all out for 218.

Bond's return to Test cricket was a successful one with the Cantabrian claiming man of the match honours.

In a key moment, Bond took the wicket of 19-year-old Pakistan debutant Umar Akmal, out caught and bowled by Bond for 75.

Bond, playing his first Test in 18 months years in the international wilderness due to his time in the rebel Indian Cricket League, profited from getting the ball to reverse swing in his three-wicket bag, and captain Daniel Vettori's sure Bond was crucial.

Kamran Akmal followed his brother to the pavillion, trapped lbw by Iain O'Brien for 27.

O'Brien was bowling with a dislocated finger but he also snared Umar Gul for 4, caught by Dan Vettori off O'Brien's bowling. The skipper then wrapped up the tail, taking the last two wickets.

Bond took three wickets for 46 to end the Test with eight for 153.

New Zealand lead the three-match series 1-0 with the second Test starting in Wellington on Thursday.