New Zealand vs Pakistan, 1st Test at Dunedin, , Nov 24 2009 - Match Result

So near and yet so far for Pakistan. Both teams fought tooth and nail but New Zealand have prevailed by 32 runs. Big round of hand shakes. It was a Test which had several turning points - Taylor's knocks, the Akmal brothers' partnership, Vettori and McCullum's rearguard action, Bond's hostile spell, Umar Akmal's second innings fifty and the brute of a delivery which got Yousuf in the second innings. Test match cricket at its best and we have to praise the groundstaff here for producing this sporting pitch.

Vettori let things slip in the middle of this chase by spreading the field out but that will be forgotten now. The presentation's coming up.

Yousuf: "This match is great for Test cricket. Full credit to the New Zealand side. We had the bowling attack to get 20 wickets but our batsmen need to get runs. Umar has tremendous talent. He batted better in the second innings. Catches were dropped in the first innings, our batting was a little inexperienced. The three fast bowlers were exceptional. The three new slip fielders will need time to get familiar."

Vettori:" The way the bowlers stepped up was great, bowling long spells. We missed the allrounder but the rest all stepped up. Our first innings batting and Shane's bowling won us the match. The pitch was pretty good for Test cricket. No turn? Doesn't worry me!"

Bond is the Man of the Match: "I'm really pleased with the way I've come through. I've always loved playing for New Zealand. I'm donating $500 to the Marist Club in Invercargill."

Watch out for more on today's excitement on Iain O'Brien's blog sometime tonight. He has tons to write about. First the celebrations, then to the laptop..if his bruised fingers allow him to.

That's it from us. I loved bringing this game to you. The second Test at Wellington starts December 3. On behalf of the rest this is Kanishkaa signing off. Cheers guys!

Martin returns

New Zealand's old friends Aamer and Ajmal are at the crease