Bashir's brilliance leads England's domination on Day 1.©(@cricbuzz )
Shoaib Bashir led England’s charge on day one of the first Test in Christchurch, taking four wickets as the visitors restricted New Zealand to 319-8. England opted to field first on a green pitch, facing a stiff breeze and the challenge of Kane Williamson, who top-scored with 93. Despite valuable partnerships with Tom Latham (47), Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell, New Zealand’s batting crumbled due to loose shots. Williamson, in particular, was dismissed when he cut a short ball from Gus Atkinson to Zak Crawley just as he was approaching a century.
Bashir took full advantage of Williamson’s dismissal, claiming the wickets of Tom Blundell and Nathan Smith before breaking a critical eighth-wicket stand between Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips. Henry was caught at long-on as England’s bowlers made inroads. Phillips, dropped early by Ben Stokes, remains unbeaten on 41 as New Zealand’s innings faltered late in the day.
England had their moments in the field but also experienced lapses. They failed to review a potential edge from Ravindra when he had 20, and Stokes dropped a catch off Phillips. The team also gave away 21 runs in wides and no-balls. Despite these errors, England’s bowlers kept up the pressure, with Bashir’s slow pace proving effective.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse made early breakthroughs, with Atkinson taking a stunning catch and bowling to dismiss Devon Conway. Though the pitch slowed as the day progressed, the England bowlers continued to fight back. Bashir’s spell was crucial, with critical wickets of Blundell, Smith, and Ravindra and solid support from Stokes, who finally got Phillips out after a review overturned the initial decision.
Williamson controlled the New Zealand innings for much of his knock, playing with composure and adapting well to the conditions. After Latham’s dismissal, he led the charge, particularly punishing any short deliveries. However, New Zealand’s batting collapsed around him. Ravindra’s loose drive resulted in a mid-wicket catch off Bashir, and Carse’s bouncer dismissed Mitchell.
Late resistance from Phillips and Henry ensured New Zealand ended the day with some momentum. England finished the day on top despite their efforts, with Bashir’s performance at the forefront of their success. New Zealand will need Phillips to push their total higher, while England will aim to finish off the innings quickly on day two.
