Pak vs NZ

New Zealand Captain Kane Williamson breached the 900-points barrier for the first time in the updated ICC Test rankings. The dashing batsman had played a match-winning knock in the final Test against Pakistan in UAE which helped New Zealand clinch their first away series win against the nation in 49 years. This is also the first instance of any batsman from New Zealand going past 900 rankings points. Only the great Richard Hadlee had managed to break that barrier but it was his bowling that had earned him these many points. Williamson is currently placed second, he jumped in front of Australia’s Steve Smith (901 points) who is serving a year ban. Current table-topper Virat Kohli scored only 37 runs across two innings in the Adelaide Test. He lost 15 points due to the failure on

New Zealand ended the wait of 49 years as they completed an away series win versus Pakistan at UAE. Defending 280 runs in 79 overs, New Zealand side ran through the Pakistani batting lineup in just 56.1 overs. By virtue of winning the third Test match, the Blackcaps secured their first away series win against Pakistan since 1969. Pakistan had gained the lead of 74 runs in the first inning but was defied by the scintillating knocks from Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls. Williamson was out on the first ball of the fifth day as he was back for his overnight score of 139. Nicholls and Colin De Grandhomme then accelerated the run rate and brought 62 runs from the next 39 balls. The visitors eventually declared for 353/7, setting a target of 280 to be chased in the remaining 79 overs. Pakistan

Pakistan’s leg-spinner Yasir Shah smashed the 82-year old Test record by registering his 200th wicket in just 33 Test matches. He enjoys the privilege of being the fastest to achieve the milestone. The much-awaited moment arrived in the ongoing third Test between Pakistan and New Zealand being played at Abu Dhabi, UAE. New Zealand commenced day four of the Test in a delicate position at 26/2. Will Somerville, the debutant left-arm spinner, sent as the night-watchman was one of the survivors from the third day. He was trapped in front of the stumps early by Yasir Shah and the wicket earned the bowler an important record in Test cricket. Clarie Grimmett, the Australian leg-spinner, had reached the milestone of 200 wickets in 36 Tests and was the

Despite falling short by two runs in the first T20I of the series, the visiting New Zealand side would be hopeful for a turnaround in the second and all-important T20I at Abu Dhabi. The Black Caps have shown that they will not be pushovers and this series is very unlikely to go like the one between Pakistan and Australia last month. New Zealand are a very good T20 side and ran Pakistan close in the first game. A more polished performance in the

After demolishing Australia in the three-match T20I series, Pakistan is ready to host the challenge of New Zealand in the shortest format. Number one ranked team in the world, Pakistan, has won 10 consecutive T20I series and will be aiming to clinch the 11th as well. New Zealand have not played international cricket for the last seven months and now face the stern test against a top side in the testing conditions of UAE. In the recently concluded whitewash of Australia, Pakistan wielded the bat first in all three games and successfully defended the totals against hapless Australia. Babar Azam, who averages 56.56 in T20Is, finished as the top run-getter for Pakistan in the three-match series. He will be the main threat for New Zealand bowling attack