Sarfaraz hits ton as second Test ends in a draw

The two-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand also ends in a draw

By Web Desk
January 06, 2023
Sarfaraz Ahmed scored his first century since 2014 — PCB

The second Test between Pakistan and New Zealand ended in a draw on Friday in Karachi. 

At one stage it looked as if Pakistan would run away with the match, while chasing a target of 319 runs, after Sarfaraz Ahmed scored his first century since 2014.

However, Ahmed was dismissed during the final moments of the game with Pakistan hanging on for a draw in fading light.

When match was stopped due to bad light, Pakistan were 304-9 and were only 15 runs away from victory. Whereas, New Zealand needed only one magical ball, in three overs, to wrap up a win.  

Resuming two down without any runs on the board, Pakistan lost Imam-ul-Haq (12), skipper Babar Azam (27) and Shan Masood (35) before reaching three figures.

Haq fell to a rash drive off Sodhi as the ball spun in and crashed onto the stumps.

Azam and Masood then put on 42 runs and were looking solid when Bracewell came into the act.

He first removed Azam with a sharp turning delivery that was edged to wicketkeeper Tom Latham, while Masood miscued a lofted shot and was caught brilliantly by Kane Williamson at mid-off.

After being reduced to 80-5, Saud Shakeel and Sarfaraz stitched a brilliant partnership of 123 runs to bring Pakistan back in the game.

Despite Saud going back to the hut after scoring 32 runs, Sarfaraz kept Pakistan in the hunt with a sensational century. His 176-ball 118 included nine fours and a six. 

Spinner Michael Bracewell was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand in the second innings, claiming figures of 4-75. Meanwhile, Tim Southee and Ish Sodhi bagged two wickets each.

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