‘Iss baar bhi umpire ne jeeta diya’ – Fans react as Pakistan survive again due to bad light, salvage dramatic draw against New Zealand

Pakistan clashed with New Zealand in Karachi in the second game of the ongoing Test series. After managing a draw in the series opener, both teams were looking to win this clash in order to win the series. But this match also ended in a draw and the two-match Test series is also drawn.

Talking about the match, The Kiwis won the toss and chose to bat. They were outstanding with the bat as New Zealand racked up 449/10 in the first innings. Tom Latham made 71 off 100 balls with nine fours. Devon Conway showed why he is a force to reckon with on sub-continent conditions, scoring a sumptuous 122 off 191 balls with 16 fours and one six.

Pakistan displayed a brilliant batting performance and smashed 408 runs. Thanks to the fighting ton from Saud Shakeel. He smashed 125 runs off 341 deliveries which included 17 fours. Former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed continued his brilliant form and played a crucial knock of 78 runs.

Coming in to bat in the third innings New Zealand scored 277 runs after losing 5 wickets and then declared the innings, setting a 319-run target for the Men in Green. However, the Men in Green started the innings badly when they ended day four with zero runs for two wickets in 2.5 overs.

Brilliant knock by Sarfaraz Khan in the 4th innings

Pakistan were indeed in trouble after Imam’s dismissal, however, Sarfaraz again stepped up and kept Black Caps bowlers at bay. He smashed his fourth Test century and celebrated it wholeheartedly. He came in when Pakistan were staring at a collapse, but came in, looked at ease, and made the bowling and pitch ordinary.

This fourth Test century definitely meant a lot to him. He jumped, fist pumped, and swang the bat in joy. He came in when Pakistan were staring at a collapse, but came in, looked at ease, and made the bowling and pitch ordinary. What a comeback story this has been for Sarfaraz, he has scored 50+ in all four innings this series. This was the first home Test series of his career.

The Babar Azam-led side had a point to prove in this series as they endured a horrendous run in home Tests last year. Australia defeated them 1-0 in March. Pakistan hosted England in December and lost all three Tests.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Iss baar bhi umpire ne jeeta diya!#NZvPAK

— Cricketbugs (@Cricketbugs0) January 6, 2023

Aleem Dar is the man of the series for Pakistan

Saved 2 Tests for Pakistan#CricketTwitter #PAKvNZ #NZvsPAK

— Parag Rege (@RegeParag) January 6, 2023

I don't think this is a save they could win easily but lack of intent and fear of loss make this match draw at the end of the day #NZvsPAK

— Umair Ashraf (@UmairAsDev) January 6, 2023

What a match what a drama End with draw… very well played by @SarfarazA_54 Saifi Bhai and @iNaseemShah #NZvsPAK

— Abdul Wahid Mazari (@Mazari_6996) January 6, 2023

Kis kisko Pore Test Zyada Naseem Shah ki Choti si batting Achi lagi #NZvsPAK

— अमान रांगड امان رانگڑ (@HappyRajput1920) January 6, 2023

I thought this wasn't in the best interests of cricket to take the players off with 3 overs to go as they hadn't taken any readings on the light meters on days prior. It was all building up nicely but wooooshhh, it fizzed out #PAKvsNZ #NZvsPAK #CricketTwitter #NZvPAK #PAKvNZ

— vineet jacob (@JacobVineet) January 6, 2023

#NZvsPAK
Aleem Dar when he sees his team losing 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/rqSB0iKBFd

— Azan Malik (@AzanMal49152802) January 6, 2023

What a beautiful game of cricket the field setting was superb👌but This is not a fair decision. NZ have more chances to win this game finally ends with draw#NZvsPAK

— Chaitanya Katta (@kingmakerchaitu) January 6, 2023

Draw ni huna chahiye tha wesy ye match): #PAKvsNZ | #NZvsPAK

— Ali 🇵🇰🏏 (@Imranali_50) January 6, 2023