Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Co-written by @Abdushakoor_

Originally, Pakistan didn’t want Oye Hoye. Then, they did. Then, they didn’t.

After surprising fans with a fantastic win by an innings in the second Test, the men of Sarfraz decided to mimic the first test but this time with more intensity.

The “Oye Hoye” trophy about which Yasir Shah had convinced his teammates before the second Test, was then captured by New Zealand in a magnificent fightback to win the Test. Pakistan were way on top in the first innings, leading by 12 with seven wickets in hand, with Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq in a 201-run stand.

Unbelievably, that big stand between Azhar and Asad made up nearly 40% of the team’s runs in the entire Test. Once again, Pakistan show us why they are the kings of getting people talking about Test Cricket.

In this piece, all players will be rated out of ten! As always, feel free to leave a comment!

New Zealand:

Jeet Raval: Contributed a good 45 in the 1st innings. In the 2nd one, a blob. 5

Tom Latham: One of New Zealand’s disappointments. Couldn’t contribute anything of note. Would fit in nicely as Pakistan opener. 1

Kane Williamson: One of the best batsmen on the planet. He showed his class and that he’s capable of building a long innings to shadow that of the opposition. He was building all series to the second innings century. He pushed the match away from Pakistan’s reach. Personally thanked Sarfraz for holding off on the new ball on the fourth day. 10

Ross Taylor: A golden duck in the first innings, courtesy of a ball that kept low. Dismissed trying to pull a good bumper by Shaheen in the second innings. 2.5

Henry Nicholls: 29 runs in the first innings across the series. 258 in the second. Brilliant. Accompanied the captain in the best possible way and proved his worth with a superb ton. Remained unbeaten. 9

Colin de Grandhomme: Slog, slog and then back-to-pavilion jog. Played like it was a limited overs match, but the second innings dictated that he could. His bowling has been good and bowled a beauty to Azhar Ali. 5.5

Tim Southee: Was warming the bench until this Test. Made a fine comeback, with a highlight the beautiful delivery to Mohammad Hafeez. 7

William Somerville: What an amazing debut for the 34- year old. Spun a web around some Pakistani batsmen. Seven wickets in the match. 8.5

Ajaz Patel: Was excellent once again. Makes the spin department strong. 7

Trent Boult: Excellent effort in the first dig as Pakistan fought hard. Gave his all as always. 7

Pakistan:

Mohammad Hafeez: All the class and run-scoring ability lies in his comeback match against Australia. Not much to write home about since. Couldn’t go out on a high. 1

Imam ul Haq: Some good shots early on in the innings but then the old story. Is Inzamam’s nephew, but doesn’t have the big presence at the pitch like him. Not talking literally. 3

Azhar Ali: Got back to form, making a 100 to get on top of Kiwis. Not involved in a runout this time. His second innings dismissal where he squared up and played with an open face is something he must avoid in South Africa. Will he be captain there? 8

Asad Shafiq: Coupled with Azhar Ali for a beautiful partnership. Couldn’t repeat in second innings and nicked one of the legside. 7

Babar Azam: A good series for Babar, but a horrible shot in the second innings with Pakistan still a slight chance of causing a miracle and saving the Test. Fell into the trap Kiwis set for him before his dismissal delivery. A fifty but not enough. 5

Sarfraz Ahmed: Tactics, poor. Batting, poor. Seemed as though Sarfraz would go to South Africa carrying that same old ball to use over there. The first ball of day five was with the new ball, and a wicket was taken. Not a captain’s performance by any means. Loud shouts still persisting. 1

Bilal Asif: Called as an all rounder. Proved all wrong. 3

Hasan Ali: A rusty display of bowling. Generator’s fuel ran out. Not sensible enough to stabilise the tail. 4

Yasir Shah: Seven scalps and a good legspin display. With the bat, Pakistan might be better off batting with ten. 7

Shaheen Shah Afridi: A good debut. Produced some beautiful jagging-back-into-lefties seeds. Lots to be encouraged about. 5

So, there it is.

New Zealand pick up a magnificent 2-1 series win, their first away against Pakistan since 1969.

For Pakistan, next up is South Africa, and given their tendencies to collapse, they might not stand too much of a chance.

Thanks for reading!