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New Zealand secured a nail-biting victory against Pakistan in the first cricket test, but was it as straightforward as the scoreboard suggests?

The Black Caps triumphed at Mount Maunganui, edging out Pakistan by a mere four runs in a match that went down to the wire. The game, played from December 26th to 30th, saw momentum swing like a pendulum before New Zealand eventually sealed the win in the final session.

The numbers don’t lie; this was a contest defined by individual brilliance and fluctuating fortunes. Kane Williamson's masterful century laid the foundation for New Zealand's first innings total. Statistically speaking, his performance was the backbone of the innings. Boult, on the other hand, provided the venom with the ball in crucial moments. The sheer pressure of the situation was palpable.

Williamson's first innings knock yielded 129 runs.

Runs: 129
Strike Rate: 52.87
Fours: 12
Sixes: 1

His ability to build a substantial score under pressure proved decisive. But Pakistan fought back admirably.

Fawad Alam's century kept Pakistan in the hunt. His patient innings, spanning over 250 balls, showcased remarkable resilience. When you look at the data, Alam's contribution was vital in keeping Pakistan afloat. Yet, it ultimately wasn't enough.

Alam's figures were:

Runs: 102
Strike Rate: 40.80
Fours: 9

However, the difference between the two sides came down to crucial wickets and late-order resistance. Trent Boult bowled with pace and accuracy, claiming key scalps in both innings. His ability to swing the ball late made him a constant threat.

Boult's match figures read:

First Innings: 2/61
Second Innings: 3/50
Economy Rate: 3.03

And the final moments? An absolute jaffa from Wagner dismissing Naseem Shah.

Pakistan’s second innings chase was a story of near misses. Despite a valiant effort from Mohammad Rizwan (60) and Fawad Alam, they faltered in the face of sustained pressure from the New Zealand attack. Their tail-enders couldn't quite get them over the line. Beaten all ends up, really.

New Zealand's victory wasn't just about individual performances. It was a reflection of their collective grit and determination. Their bowlers hunted in pairs. And their batsmen, even when under duress, found ways to contribute.

This win holds significant implications for the World Test Championship standings. New Zealand strengthens its position, inching closer to a spot in the final. But the loss leaves Pakistan with much to ponder. Their batting lineup needs greater consistency. And their bowlers need to find more penetration on foreign soil.

The victory was not clean as a whistle. Several dropped catches could have changed the course of the match. But New Zealand will not complain. They got the job done.

What does this mean for the remainder of the series? New Zealand will look to build on this momentum. Pakistan will be eager to bounce back. The second test promises to be another enthralling contest. The pressure will be on Pakistan to level the series. Can they respond? Only time will tell. And the numbers will tell the real story.