Pak Vs NZ Test: Jamieson scalps five wickets

Jamieson finished with 5-69 to go with his 5-45 against India last February and his 5-34 against the West Indies last month, checking the momentum of a Pakistan team which batted well

Christchurch: Kyle Jamieson claimed his third five-wicket bag in only his sixth Test to help New Zealand counteract an assertive Pakistan batting performance Sunday on the first day of the second test.

Jamieson finished with 5-69 to go with his 5-45 against India last February and his 5-34 against the West Indies last month, checking the momentum of a Pakistan team which batted well in demanding conditions after losing the toss. Azhar Ali made 93, captain Mohammad Rizwan 61 and Faheem Ashraf 48 as Pakistan made 297, a competitive total on a pitch which was still producing bounce and seam late in the day.

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Jamieson claimed the wickets of Rizwan and Faheem along with those of Abid Ali (25), Haris Sohail (1) and Fawad Alam (2) to check Pakistan’s progress at critical stages when they seemed to be gaining the upper hand. The tall right-armer now has 30 wickets from 11 test innings at an average which is just a tick over 14. On top of that, he boasts a batting average of 49 with one half century.

Tim Southee dismissed Shan Masood (0) in the third over of the day with a late in-swinger which struck him on the toes of front foot and made the lbw decision, confirmed by the television umpire, a formality. Azhar then put on 62 for the second wicket with Abid in a partnership which began to tip the first session in Pakistan’s favor. Jamieson removed Abid, Sohail and Fawad in the space of six overs before lunch, causing Pakistan to slip from 61-1 for 88-4 at the break.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 297 in 83.5 overs (Azhar Ali 93, Mohammad Rizwan 61; Kyle Jamieson 5/69) vs New Zealand.