Cricket: Pakistan claim first test

Pakistan wrapped up victory in the first test against the Black Caps after claiming the final two wickets on day five. Photo / Getty Images

Regardless of whether batting, bowling or fielding was the root cause, New Zealand were routed by 248 runs in the opening cricket test against Pakistan.

Each discipline had a good case and the visitors have three days to address what went wrong so they can attempt to bridge the chasm ahead of the second test in Dubai on a similar surface which, if anything, is more conducive to spin.

Winning the toss might help but a logical starting point is the need for more runs from New Zealand's batting spine of Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson. The trio contributed just 91 in this test. In fact, apart from Tom Latham's maiden test century, no other New Zealand batsman passed 48.

Taylor said: "The more nervous you are, the harder your hands are [for playing spin]. The more you bat, the softer they get."

He noted the need for New Zealand's batsmen to make positive decisions whether to sweep or use their feet to get to the pitch of the ball.

McCullum concurred: "Judging spin is the hardest thing in this part of the world. Is it turning, bouncing or skidding? How much drift is there? Trying to come up with a quick assessment and adapting in the initial stages of an innings with catchers round the bat generates a lot of pressure."

Arguably a wider problem lies with the bowling with Pakistan's aggregate total of 741 for five. For the most part it was consistent, albeit let down by a missed stumping and several dropped catches. However, five wickets is the equal fewest New Zealand has taken in a test against Pakistan. On the other two occasions (Wellington, 1994 & Auckland, 1989) Pakistan only batted in one innings.

"Pakistan deserve kudos," McCullum said. "They were dominant from the get-go and played the perfect test.

"The toss was a big factor for us, especially when you're coming over here to play a team so familiar and red hot in these conditions. Hopefully I win the toss next game."

The trouncing came despite a fighting 10th wicket partnership of 54 between Ish Sodhi and Trent Boult.

The pair grafted out the first hour before Sodhi succumbed lbw for 63, his highest test innings, which ended the visitors' fight at 231.

Sodhi's innings is also the top score by a New Zealand No.10 against Pakistan.

Mark Craig was bowled by Yasir Shah for 28 in the second over of the morning.
McCullum urged caution to overreactions.

"Sometimes you've got to admit you were second best, cop it on the chin, reflect on it, but don't overanalyse.

"If we win the toss, build partnerships and get a big score I'm sure we'll start picking up more wickets. We didn't take several chances and over here you can't be needing to get 26-27 wickets.

"From a bowling point of view the wicket was dead on days one and two but got better in pace as the game went on. If Pakistan wins the toss I reckon it's a 70/30 advantage to them. If we win, it's 55/45 in our favour."

The triumph was iced for Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq by becoming the most successful at the job in his country's test history. He's led Pakistan to victory in 15 out of 33 tests compared to Imran Khan and Javed Miandad's 14 out of 48 and 34 tests respectively.

Best scores by NZ No.10 batsmen against Pakistan

• Ish Sodhi, 63, Abu Dhabi, 2014
• Danny Morrison, 42, Wellington, 1994
• Daryl Tuffey, 35, Hamilton, 2003
• Richard Collinge, 32, Christchurch, 1965
• Iain O'Brien, 31, Wellington, 2009

• Andrew Alderson travelled to the UAE courtesy of Emirates.