New Zealand expose Pakistan’s old batting frailties, steal first Test by 4 runs

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Abu Dhabi, Nov 19 (TNS): New Zealand beat Pakistan by four runs in a sensational finish to the fourth day in Abu Dhabi on Monday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series.

Pakistan, who set 176 to win, were bowled out for 171 with debutant left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel finishing with 5-59 and fast bowler Neil Wagner taking 2-27.

Azhar Ali was the top-scorer with 65 while Asad Shafiq made 45.

At lunch Pakistan recovered from a top-order collapse to reach 130-4, needing a further 46 runs to win.