New Zealand, playing its first Test in Pakistan in 20 years, made early inroads as Pakistan stumbled to 110-4 in the first session. (More Cricket News)
Kiwis skipper Tim Southee brought on his slow bowlers as early as the fourth over on a dry and tacky wicket at National Stadium and the move paid dividends.
For the first time in men's Tests, the first two wickets fell off of stumpings when opener Abdullah Shafique and later, Shan Masood fell victim to Ajaz Patel and Doug Bracewell, respectively. Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell made no mistakes in dislodging the bails.
Overall, however, it is the second time that this feat has been achieved in cricket, with the Women's Test match between Australia and West Indies in 1976 producing a similar style of dismissal.
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Apart from the stumpings, this Test match will also be remembered for veteran Pakistan cricketer and wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed's return to cricket since 2019. The 1st Test against the Kiwis is only his first international Test appearance at home. It is his 50th appearance in Tests.
