Saud, Sarfaraz hold key as New Zealand search for wickets

The home side still trail by 225 runs

By Web Desk
January 04, 2023
New Zealand team during the morning session on day three — PCB

Pakistan have reached 224-4 at lunch on day three of the second Test against New Zealand in Karachi. 

The home side still trail by 225 runs after the Kiwis posted 449 in their first innings. 

Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam are unbeaten on 43 and 27 runs, respectively.

The only wicket to fall in the morning session was that of Imam-ul-Haq, who was dismissed after scoring 83 runs. The left-hander flashed at one away from his body, without any foot movement, after Tim Southee went wide of the crease and pitched it on a good length and wide of off stump. 

Sarfaraz, who came in after Imam's dismissal, played with a positive approach and kept the scoreboard ticking. His 39-ball 27 includes four fours. 

Meanwhile, Saud continued with his cautious batting as he has taken 158 balls to score 43. 

Pakistan resumed their innings at 154-3 as Imam anchored Pakistan with a pugnacious half-century, yesterday, after New Zealand piled up a handy 449 in their first innings.

Pakistan started chaotically, losing opener Abdullah Shafique (19), Shan Masood (20) and skipper Babar Azam (24) before the Haq-Shakeel stand added 83 runs for the fourth wicket.

In contrast, New Zealand´s tail wagged furiously, with Matt Henry (68 not out) and Ajaz Patel (35) both scoring Test-bests as they added an invaluable 104 runs for the last wicket.

Abrar Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers with 4-149, while Naseem Shah (3-71) and Agha Salman (3-75) were the other successful bowlers.

The two-match series is tied after the first Test, also in Karachi, ended in a draw.

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