Cricket: De Grandhomme Triple Gives New Zealand Early Honours

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Nov, 2016 ) - Debutant Colin de Grandhomme stung Pakistan with three quick wickets as New Zealand cashed in on winning a crucial toss on day one of the shortened first Test in Christchurch on Friday.

At lunch, Pakistan were 88-4 with Misbah-ul-Haq, captaining his side for the 50th time, on 15 and mounting a rescue mission with Asad Shafiq who not out 16. With a green-tinged wicket and damp outfield -- after the first day was lost through rain -- both captains said they wanted to bowl first and it was New Zealand's Kane Williamson who had the good fortune to win the toss.

Despite expectations, however, the pitch did not hold many demons and with strike bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult struggling to maintain consistent lines there was little to unnerve the batsmen in the early overs. But when Williamson called up all-rounder de Grandhomme as a surprise choice first-change bowler it produced a substantial breakthrough.