Top 5 Test matches of 2018

#1 Pakistan versus New Zealand, Abu Dhabi, 16th-19th November

The most thrilling and the most entertaining Test match of 2018 was played on the otherwise dead tracks of UAE. Unsurprisingly, Pakistan was one of the participating teams. It was a low-scoring thriller which at one point could have very well been a tied Test.

A combined effort from Pakistani bowlers helped them skittle New Zealand for 153 runs in the first innings. Pakistan then gained a significant lead of 74 runs as their middle-order fought bravely. Hasan Ali and Yasir Shah then shared the spoils in third innings to finalize their target as 176 runs.

Pakistan began well but faced a wobble as they tumbled from 40/0 to 48/3. They got back in complete control with Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq adding 82 runs for the fourth wicket. With Pakistan just 46 runs away from the win, Wagner sent back Shafiq at the stroke of lunch.

After lunch, Pakistan showed nerves despite being in control. Azam attracted a needless run-out, and they soon lost Captain Sarfraz as well. Bilal Asif, Yasir Shah and Hasan Ali gifted their wickets away while Azhar Ali stood at the other end helplessly. Along with number 11 Mohammad Abbas, Azhar had brought Pakistan within a shot away from victory. Just then, Ajaz Patel got rid of Azhar to clinch a famous win. It remains one of the narrowest wins in Test cricket.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 153 (Williamson 63, Yasir 3-54) and 249 (Watling 59, Nicholls 55, Hasan 5-45, Yasir 5-110) beat Pakistan 227 (Babar 62, Boult 4-54) and 171 (Azhar 65, Patel 5-59) by four runs.