Black Caps stun Pakistan in four-run Test thriller

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Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel ripped through the Pakistan batting order as the hosts suffered an agonizing four-run defeat in the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.

A formidable Pakistan side, enjoying the home advantage on the UAE ground, resumed the fourth day on 37-0 in their second innings and needed 139 more runs to win with all 10 wickets in hand.

However, Patel wreaked havoc as Pakistan were bundled out for 171 with the young Kiwi spinner returning with an innings figure of five for 59.

Earlier, in the morning session, Pakistan top-order suffered a massive blow with Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez and Haris Sohail all departing in the space of eight balls. However, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq tried to salvage the sinking ship as they tried to put Pakistan back on track with a promising 82-run fourth wicket partnership.

But Neil Wagner got the much-needed breakthrough for the tourists just before lunch by dismissing Shafiq caught behind for 45.

Babar Azam's run out due to a mix-up with Azhar five overs into the afternoon session helped the Black Caps back in the game with a further flurry of wickets.

Although Azhar kept his side's hopes alive as his sensible batting helped Pakistan edge towards the finish line.

Pakistan's Azhar Ali top-scores for his side before being the last batsman to be dismissed. /VCG Photo

Meanwhile, skipper Sarfraz Ahmed could make only three and Bilal Asif, Yasir Shah and Hasan Ali fell for a duck to make things worse for the home team. When a hapless Azhar got out as the last man for 65, it was all over for Pakistan. He was the fifth victim of Patel.

Incidentally, the last six Pakistan wickets fell for only 24 runs as New Zealand accomplished a thrilling 4-run win, the narrowest Test victory in terms of runs in their country's history.

Patel was adjudged the player of the match award for the obvious reason.

"We didn't get a good start to the day," Pakistan captain Sarfraz said after his side's defeat.

He added, "Azhar and Shafiq put in a good stand but then the collapse was really disappointing. You have to give credit to Ajaz as well."

The second Test between the two countries will get underway in Dubai from Saturday while the third and final will be played in Abu Dhabi from December 3.