Another series and the same outcome by the Pakistani squad. In the second test match between Pakistan vs New Zealand, Pakistani players held their boots tight and didn’t lose the last wicket in hand to draw the match.
Despite Sarfaraz Ahmed’s iconic centurion innings that made the nation proud and risen the winning hope among the fans.
Chasing a target of 139, Pakistan had resumed their innings at 0/2 on the final day as Abdullah Shafique and nightwatchman Mir Hamza were dismissed after New Zealand’s brave declaration.
Right there Pakistan losing early wickets allowed the visitors to seal the first test series win in the WTC championship cycle.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Second Test Match Drawn
The day began in the favor of New Zealand as they take early wickets and sent major players to the pavilion including Shan Masood and the skipper Babar Azam.
Sarfaraz Ahmed held tight to his form and searched to score a ton. Saud Shakeel gave him the hand but lost his wicket and then Sarfaraz stayed with Agha Salman.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s century was somehow the turning point of the game because he was seeking it since the first test match and today he has done it.
After his ton, fans believed that the win is possible but Kiwi’s spin bowling attack dismissed the remaining players including Sarfaraz Ahmed as well.
In the end, it all came to Naseem Shah and Abrar who tightened their boots not to lose the last wicket. Naseem Shah took some risks and played big shots. But due to bad light, umpires declared the match as a draw.
Babar Azam, Keep Things Simple
After the match, Babar Azam said, “their plan after the Tea break was to go for the chase. Their main aim was to keep things simple till the final session. Mentions that some tweaks were made to the plan once Agha Salman departed.
Adds that they will look at the positives here and look to sharpen it to perfection. Ends by praising Sarfaraz Ahmed for his incredible innings. Informs that he waited patiently for his time and has proven his worth this time.”
Tim Southee, Sarfaraz Made The Difference
New Zealand skipper Tim Southee expressed his thoughts after the match and praised Sarfaraz’s innings. the game had come down at the last moment which is always exciting.
Mentions always come into a Test match to win and they were in a good position throughout the game to claim victory. He credits Sarfaraz and says that he played really well, especially in the middle session but they still had a chance in end.
Expresses that Ish Sodhi who made a comeback after so long did well and credits Bracewell and all the other players for giving it their all for the side. Reckons that the nature of the wicket changed quite late in the game but it was Sarfaraz who proved to be the difference between winning the game and the draw.
New Zealand won the World Test Championship two years back by defeating India and this year they have suffered a lot.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, Player of the series
Sarfaraz Ahmed shut everyone’s mouth after making a remarkable comeback with the ton and was awarded the player of the series award.
He said, “He thanks god for his comeback and mentions that he has been around the team waiting for his opportunity to come. Claims that there were a lot of turns early on and he got the confidence for his teammates to be able to play a good inning.”
Pakistan cricket team played their last test series against England and the English side whitewashed them.
Now both the teams will collide for the three-match ODI series in Karachi and the first match will be played on Monday 9th January.
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