The New Zealand cricket team has created history in the desert oasis of Abu Dhabi as they registered a sensational 123-run win against Pakistan in the third and deciding Test on Friday.
Their emphatic triumph on the fifth day at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital helped the Kiwis clinch their first away series triumph against Asian giants in 49 years.
Earlier, Pakistan required 280 to win in 79 overs on the last day of the series decider but the home side was reduced to 55-5 by lunch.
New Zealand cricketers celebrate after the dismissal of Pakistani captain Sarfraz Ahmed (R) during the last day of the third and final Test cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Sheikh Zayed International Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, December 7, 2018. /VCG Photo
They lost the plot from there and were, subsequently, bundled out for a meager total of 156 in an extended middle session.
Black Caps pacer Tim Southee, who made a comeback to the side and was playing his first Test of the series, bagged 3 wickets for 42 runs while 34-year-old debutant William Somerville and fellow spinner Ajaz Patel grabbed three wickets apiece.
Earlier, New Zealand scored 274 in the first innings and thanks to centuries by skipper Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls, the tourists declared their second innings at 353-7. Pakistan had earlier made 348 in their first innings before suffering the batting debacle in the all-important second innings in front of a fiery Kiwi bowling attack.
L-R: BJ Watling, Kane Williamson and Ajaz Patel of New Zealand celebrate with their teammates after winning the Third Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, December 7, 2018. /VCG Photo
As a result of their magnificent win in the third Test, Williamson's side notched up a historic 2-1 series win against the formidable hosts.
Earlier, New Zealand won the first Test by four runs on the same ground and lost the second in Dubai by an innings.