The first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand at National Stadium in Karachi witnessed a dramatic finish, with the hosts managing to earn a draw due to bad lights on the final day.
After Babar Azam’s bold move of declaring Pakistan’s second innings for 311/8, setting up New Zealand a target of 138, the tourists came out all guns blazing and scored 61/1 in 7.3 overs. Tom Latham was on a roll with a 24-ball 35-run knock featuring three fours and a six. However, bad light forced the match officials to settle both teams a draw that enlightened the tensed faces of Pakistan cricketers.
Earlier, Pakistan found solidity through Imam-ul-Haq, who brought up his sixth Test fifty to shore things up. He was well complimented by senior batter Sarfaraz Ahmed, who came up with a counterattack showcasing his skills against the spin attack.
The duo went on to add 85 runs and were looking well-set to cruise through before Ish Sodhi turned the game. The leggie broke the partnership by removing Sarfaraz for 53 and soon dismissed Agha Salman (6) as well as Imam to keep New Zealand’s hopes alive. Imam got out after scoring 96 off 206 balls, including 10 fours and a six.
Shakeel showed his consistency again
Pakistan were indeed in trouble after Imam’s dismissal, however, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Saud Shakeel formed a brilliant partnership of 71 runs and kept Black Caps bowlers at bay. Pakistan skipper Babar then surprised everyone as he declared the innings at 311/8, setting up a target of 138 for New Zealand in 15 overs. Shakeel smashed an unbeaten 55 from 108 balls.
Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat first. With Babar’s brilliant knock of 161 runs and Former captain Sarfaraz’s brilliance, the Men in Green achieved a total of 438 runs in the first innings. Both stitched a brilliant 196-run stand for the fifth wicket. On the other hand, Kane Williamson scored a brilliant double ton to take his side to 612 in New Zealand’s first inning.
Here is how fans reacted to the match:
umpire ne bacha liya warna Babar ne toh harwa diya tha!#NZvPAK
— Cricketbugs (@Cricketbugs0) December 30, 2022
Babar, " thanks Aleem Dar for his decision otherwise I will be humiliated badly " #PakvsNZ
— Devilboy619 (@devnishant707) December 30, 2022
Well Paid umpires specially Aleem Dar🤝
— 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡⚡ (@KrishnaKunj_17) December 30, 2022
Bach gye harne se #PakvsNZ https://t.co/lyXuKI41ZQ pic.twitter.com/ISRCURRF8S
So the plan from Babar was that instead of drawing the match, we should lose it? Why did they declare?" It's a thought experiment for sure. Would be interesting to hear from him post match. Instinctively I like it, but strategically, there's more to the decision.#PakvsNZ
— Asim Khan (@Asim368) December 30, 2022
@babarazam258 clown sharam kar jhut bolne ke liye
— Dinesh🇮🇳 (@Hitman16107360) December 30, 2022
Ur talking about results and bowling wide lines#CricketTwitter #PakvsNZ
Yes for NZ fans. Such a worst decision. #PakvsNZ https://t.co/txLOQDas0K
— Hadi Khan (@hadikhan180) December 30, 2022
Star of the Day ❤️😂#PakvsNZ #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/e5ppryT3i9
— TALHA RASHID ❤️🇵🇰 (@TalhaRashid004) December 30, 2022
rather a dumb decision to let NZ win the match. have they forgotten how England have played over 7+ RR???#PakvsNZ
— Hassan A. Naqvi (@AbbasHassan110) December 30, 2022
