Pakistan squared off against New Zealand in the second Test match against New Zealand. Pakistan were chasing the lead on the third day, but on the third ball of Daryl Mitchell’s over, Sarfaraz Ahmed moved slightly off the crease but missed the ball. He was just returning to the crease when wicketkeeper Tom Blundell uprooted the bails. The ball was angling in and swinging down the leg, beating Sarfaraz on the flick. The batter overbalanced. The keeper had to collect a long way down the leg and he had so much to do to get back to the stumps, but he was outstanding.
This was so easy to say not out on first look, but the third umpire had the doubt of Sarfaraz lifted the foot again. Asked for the stump cam angle since he was not convinced about the side angles. Then asked for the zoomer and split screen, took time but made the right call. Unlucky way to get out but Sarfaraz dragged himself off after a fine effort. That was purely a keeper’s wicket.
Watch the video here:
Sheeeeeeee
— TM Dilshan (@TMDilshan_23) January 4, 2023
Tweets Conversation @_FaridKhan
Ahsan Raza, this isn't done, bro! How can you take two hours to decide and not give the benefit of the doubt to the batter? Sarfaraz Ahmed was clearly not amused.
(Gif courtesy: @grassrootscric
) #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/M8yiBJu1iv
Brilliant batting performance from both teams
Talking about the match, The Kiwis won the toss and chose to bat. They were outstanding with the bat after racking up 309-6 at the end of 90 overs on day 1. 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.
When it seemed that the Kiwis would fold up early a big twist came around as Matt Henry played a blistering unbeaten knock of 68 off 81 balls with eight fours and two sixes. He found able support in Aijaz Patel who stuck around and made a resilient unbeaten 35 off 78 balls with four fours. The duo of Henry and Aijaz made a superb 103-run partnership against the Pakistan bowlers, and this left the Pakistanis scratching their heads and looking for an answer.
They had the Kiwis on the mat at 345-9 and then they allowed this partnership to settle in and grow till they reached 449. Coming in to bat, Pakistan didn’t start well and lost their 3 wickets on the score of 99 runs. However, Imam-ul-Haq looked as solid but missed his century. Coming in at no.5 Saud Shakeel displayed his batting ability once again and smashed a brilliant century. He also stitched a beautiful 150-run stand with Sarfaraz.
