Sports Report
KARACHI: Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq remained unbeaten on 74 as Pakistan posted 154 for 3 at stumps in the second and final Test at National Stadium in Karachi.
Pakistan lost the wickets of Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, and Babar Azam after they bundled out the Blackcaps for 449 runs. Matt Henry dismissed Shafique, and Ajaz Patel got the better of Shan Masood before Babar fell victim to a run-out.
Earlier, Matt Hanry and Ajaz Patel registered a 104-run partnership for the 10th wicket as New Zealand posted a big total on the board. Abrar Ahmed was the most successful of the bowlers for Pakistan, who picked 4 wickets for 149 runs. Meanwhile, Naseem Shah and Agha Salman picked three wickets each.
Pak vs NZ: Day 1 highlights
On the other hand, Pakistan would feel that they let go of many opportunities to take a stronger position in this game. They got three wickets early in the day but could not find a way to break the final wicket stand, and as a result, New Zealand, who were struggling to get to 350, ended up falling just one run short of 450.
With the bat, too, all three wickets they lost were because of the mistakes of the batter rather than good deliveries getting them out. Both Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood got good starts but played an expensive shot and paid the price.
While the skipper, Babar Azam’s promising inning was cut short by a big misunderstanding between him and Imam-ul-Haq. However, Imam-ul-Haq should be credited with keeping his composure after running out his skipper, and this 55 runs partnership with Saud has ensured that Pakistan does not explode in the final session.
