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Pakistan began the series as favourite to reverse their defeat last time they toured the Shaky Isles despite New Zealand not having lost a home series since Australia toured in early 2000. During each Test, both sides had their opportunities to force victory. Frequent fluctuations in control ensured seesawing contests.
However, in the end, Pakistan held their nerve and reached the highest-ever final innings winning run chase at Wellington to claim the second Test and the series.
Pakistan has increased their rating to 1087 points. In doing so, they have attained a measure of comfort by widening their lead over fourth placed England to 20 ratings points. Pakistan remains a distant third behind second placed South Africa by 56 points.
Pakistan has now won twelve of their last 20 Test matches with two draws and six losses. The overall improvement has seen Pakistan's rating increase to its highest point since November 1999.
New Zealand's loss in the series has seen their rating fall to 1034 points. New Zealand retains fifth place in the ratings by only one rating point over sixth placed Sri Lanka. However, New Zealand?s grip on fifth place will end early in January. Seventh placed India, currently on 1030 points, will overtake both Sri Lanka and New Zealand when they finish their tour of Australia. India has already earned nine ratings points and would earn more if they draw or win the final Test in Sydney.
New Zealand had every chance of winning the second test. However, a combination of poor bating and Shoaib Akhtar express pace brought them undone on the fourth morning. Pakistan proved the pitch was not the problem as they went on to make more than two and a half times the runs the home side made in their second innings.
While New Zealand knew they would struggle against Pakistan, they would be disappointed that they were unable to keep their home record intact. New Zealand has only lost to Australia and South Africa at home over the last six years.
New Zealand's Test record is far less accomplished than Pakistan's, reflecting their lower rating. Over the last 20 Tests, New Zealand has won only seven Tests. However, New Zealand has managed to draw ten of the remaining 13 Tests. New Zealand's ability to draw Tests, often against better teams, has been a determining factor in maintaining their current position in the ratings.
New Zealand next host South Africa in March 2004. Given South Africa's current string of very large first innings totals, New Zealand will be likely to struggle to hold on to their current rating.
The latest Test cricket ratings are: 1. Australia (1241); 2. South Africa (1143); 3. Pakistan (1087); 4. England (1067); 5. New Zealand (1034); 6. Sri Lanka (1033); 7. India (1030); 8. West Indies (1017); 9. Zimbabwe (887); 10. Bangladesh (797).
