Black Caps ease to first Test win over Pakistan

New Zealand have snapped their four-Test losing streak in comprehensive fashion, easing to an eight-wicket win over Pakistan in Christchurch.

Jeet Raval delivered the last rites on a low-scoring first Test as New Zealand reached 2-108, enjoying the most gentle batting conditions in the three playing days.

Chasing 105, the hosts lost Tom Latham cheaply but Raval impressed again reaching 36 not out while captain Kane Williamson fell for 61 when one more run was required.

Victory, completed inside eight sessions, will be a relief for Williamson and his team, who have endured a difficult year.

A home series loss to Australia was followed by victory over minnows Zimbabwe before crushing defeats away to South Africa (1-0) and India (3-0).

They adjusted quickly to familiar seam-friendly conditions at Hagley Oval, winning a crucial toss after day one was washed out.

Debut allrounder Colin de Grandhomme took a remarkable six wickets as Pakistan were skittled first up for 133, setting up victory and the prospect of a drought-breaking series win.

If New Zealand win or draw the second Test in Hamilton starting on Friday, they will clinch a first series defeat of Pakistan since 1985.

The tourists offered minimal resistance on day four, dismissed for 171 after resuming on 7-129.

Tim Southee took two scalps to finish with 3-53 while fellow paceman Neil Wagner (3-34) bagged the other.

Tailender Sohail Khan notched a career-best 40 off 39 balls, the highest score of the Test by any Pakistan player.

Latham completed a double failure on his home ground when he skied Mohammad Amir's rising delivery to gully.

In contrast, opening partner Raval recorded a fine double on debut, having top- scored with 55 in the first innings.

He and Williamson reached 1-58 at lunch and were on the verge of completing the job together when Williamson was caught trying to sweep the winning runs off part-timer Azhar Ali.

via Radio Sport