Australia has been dethroned at the world’s No. 1 Test team, with New Zealand claiming the coveted accolade for the first time.
The Black Caps cruised to a comfortable innings and 176 runs victory over Pakistan at Hagley Oval in Christchurch to complete a 2-0 series whitewash.
New Zealand has now won six consecutive Test matches for the first time in history, and has not been defeated on home soil in 17 consecutive Tests.
It was enough for Kane Williamson’s side to leapfrog into top spot on the ICC Test rankings.
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“We knew we were up against a quality side,” Williamson said after the victory.
“Despite the result on paper, it was a game of small margins and we won those small moments and had a bit of luck go our way. We’re very pleased with our effort through these last two games.”
? 2-0 #NZvPAK series sweep
? No.1 in Test Team Rankings
A memorable day at the office for the @BLACKCAPS ? pic.twitter.com/GnXu6sfJOx
NZ finish their summer as the No.1 Test side in the world with the No. 1 test batsmen. Am glad because they are a terrific side and very often, don’t get the credit they deserve. #NZvPak
Outstanding performance again from NZ. Not much more to say. We are witnessing one of our best ever sides.
In fairness, I think the scoreboard is harsh on Pakistan who, for large parts, played very well. Fielding, extras and no Babar hurt them. A good series #NZvPAK
Black Caps all-rounder Kyle Jamieson finished the match with career-best figures of 11/117. After six Test matches, he averages 56.50 with the bat and 13.27 with the ball.
“We had to graft away for periods of time. We were clinical across the day,” Jamieson said on Wednesday afternoon.
“We’ve got the four pronged attack and I can very much see myself as the fourth prong. I just sit back and observe what these world class guys have done for a number of years.”
Some Australian cricket fans voiced their frustration on social media, pointing out that New Zealand were thumped by their trans-Tasman rivals 3-0 last summer.
However, Australia hardly deserves the No. 1 Test ranking when considering the team’s abysmal record on foreign soil.
Australia has not won a Test series away from home since February 2016.
Kyle Jamieson of New Zealand is congratulated by teammates after dismissing Haris Sohail of Pakistan,Source:Getty Images
Jamieson was near unplayable in Pakistan’s second innings, finishing with 6/48 after his 5/69 in the first innings.
New Zealand batted Pakistan out of contention with a first innings 6/659, with Williamson’s masterful 238 supported by Henry Nicholls (157) and Daryl Mitchell (102 not out).
But there was still a chance Pakistan could force a draw, until Jamieson took the ball.
“I’m a long way off the cricketer that I want to be,” Jamieson said after his man-of-the-match performance.
“I’m 12 months into my international career and it’s a long process and hopefully I’ve got another nine-10 years in this group and if that happens I’ve got more to come.”
Pakistan captain Mohammed Rizwan was disappointed with his side’s fielding and multiple dropped catches. But he said their biggest problem was Jamieson.
“He’s the only difference between both teams. The conditions were fair to bowlers but the way he bowled he took too many wickets in the series,” Rizwan said.
“We need to improve in all departments, especially in fielding. If you drop catches you can’t win a Test match.”
— with AFP
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