We won a test match! We won a test match on foreign soil, against Pakistan who sit as the 3rd best test team in the world for a reason - they're bloody tough to play in the U.A.E.

The day started with the Black Caps batting for a wee bit, getting their highest total ever. It was then Pakistan's turn to wield the willow, instead they struggled with our bowlers especially Tim Southee and Trent Boult kicking off the innings the only way they know how. Boult tore through the top order, firing down a few deliveries worthy of the term 'peach' and he finished with 4/38 while Southee couldn't quite sneer a wicket, but he was still very impressive.

That was followed up by Mark Craig who capped off an exceptional match by picking up 3 more wickets, taking his tally to 10. It was good to see Daniel Vettori and Ish Sodhi chip in as well, I don't know how long it will last (maybe Vettori will play on for a few more years??) but seeing an offie, a leggy and a left arm delicious - it's a thing of beauty. Usually we have the stock standard offie or just Vettori, but in this match B-Mack could call upon 3 different spinners #handy.

This is obviously a balancing act. The Black Caps played very good test cricket, their achievements shouldn't be passed over because of the circumstances, but we must also obviously remember that in the big scheme of things, a game of cricket doesn't matter.

In Sharjah we have seen exactly what this Black Caps side is capable of, it takes a lot more to be the best test nation in the world, but look at where we are now compared to the start of the series. After battling against the West Indies, we've taken on Pakistan. There were many tough days but they stuck at it, learned lessons and were skillful enough to put in to action those lessons. It's impressive, if you're just jumping on the Black Caps wagon then welcome.

Here's a beautiful quote from Daniel Vettori courtesy of ESPNCricinfo

"A lot of guys knew Phillip very well and we felt like he was one of us, and we mourned him as a teammate"