New Zealand VS Pakistan Test Series 
1st Test Played at Mount Maunganui from 26 -30 December 2020 
Brief Scorecard at Stumps on Day One 
New Zealand 1st Innings 222/3 in 87 Overs (Kane Williamson 94*,Ross Taylor 70, Henry Nicholls 42, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3/55) 

Against a very potent Pakistan bowling attack two Champion Kiwi batsmen Williamson and Taylor batting to the best of their abilities rescued New Zealand from a position of vulnerability to comfort zone at stumps of day one. 

Shaheen Afridi and Abbas were breathing venom as Pakistan captain winning the toss put the home side to bat. Shaheen removed both the openers reducing them to 13/2 by the 11th over. Two champions Williamson and Taylor came together with their team in crisis. They required applying themselves and batting out of their skins they salvaged the team from crisis adding priceless 120 for the 3rd wicket partnership. Shaheen in his new spell had Taylor nicking behind. In the meantime, Taylor did his job presenting yet another useful innings of 70. Williamson digging in defied all that were thrown at Kiwi batsmen. He had a useful allay Nicholson in yet another useful unbroken partnership 89 for the 4th wicket. He finished the day unbeaten on 94 with another test century looming. 222/3 may not sound a huge score. But judging from the state of strong Kiwi bowling and depleted Pakistan batting New Zealand needs another 120-150 runs for a position of command

Would not say Pakistani bowlers bowled that entire bat. But this Kiwis team is looking great in all formats of cricket. First session of day two will indicate which direction the test will be heading. Pakistan can stay in the game if they can restrict New Zealand below 300. Abbas and Naseem unfortunately could not complement the great bowling efforts of Shaheen. 

BDST: 1556 HRS, DEC 26, 2020
SMS