Pakistan locked horns with New Zealand in Karachi in the second game of the ongoing Test series. After managing a draw in the series opener, both teams were looking to win this clash in order to win the series. After failing to win any home Test matches in 2022, it was a great opportunity for Babar Azam and his men to start the new year with a Test win at home.
Speaking of the match, Tim Southee won the toss and opted to bat first. For the Kiwis, Tom Latham and Devon Conway came out to open the innings. For the home side, Hasan Ali made a comeback in the Test side. His last match was at Galle against Sri Lanka on 24 July 2022. So, fans were eager to see his performance in this match.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Test series ended 0-0
The visitors scored 449 runs in 131 overs in their first innings. Devon Conway scored 122 runs off 191 balls, including 16 fours and one six. Tom Blundell scored 51 runs off 108 balls and Matt Henry scored 68* runs off 81 balls. For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed took four wickets for 149 runs in 37 overs. In reply, Pakistan managed 408 runs in 133 overs. Saud Shakeel scored 125* runs off 341 balls, including 17 fours. Imam-ul-Haq scored 83 runs and Sarfaraz Ahmed scored 78 runs. For the visitors, both Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel took three wickets each. Thus, the Kiwis took the lead of 41 runs.
In their second innings, New Zealand declared after scoring 277 runs for five wickets in 82 overs. Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, and Michael Bracewell scored the fifties each. Five bowlers of Pakistan took one wicket each. Thus, they set a target of 319 runs for the Men in Green. However, they started the innings badly when they ended day four with zero runs for two wickets in 2.5 overs. On day five, Sarfaraz Ahmed scored his fourth Test ton off 135 balls. Finally, he got out for 118 runs off 176 balls, including nine fours and one six. However, Pakistan fought till the end and scored 304 runs for nine wickets.
Here is how fans have reacted to the second Test match of Pakistan vs New Zealand match:
A dramatic end to a stunning match as Pakistan hang on for a draw!#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/8ExG8X6fDH
— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) January 6, 2023
This draw is like a win 🏆 #PAKvNZ
— Ubaid ur Rehman Awan (@UbaidAwan) January 6, 2023
Is this team deserve to be supported?
— Naeem khan 🇵🇰 (@Naeemkhansbs) January 6, 2023
Can't win ?
Are they loser?#PAKvNZ
Great fight by @SarfarazA_54 #PAKvNZ
— Brijesh (@bbrijesh) January 6, 2023
Not going to lie I'm extremely ashamed by the lows Pakistan test team hits with each passing day another atrocious display of intent by Pakistan test team. They don't deserve test cricket truly. #PAKvNZ
— Passionate Pakistani 🇵🇰❤️ (@PAK_Paindabad) January 6, 2023
— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) January 6, 2023
Man of the series - Aleem Dar #PAKvNZ
— Syed (@Tweetofsyed) January 6, 2023
Aleem Dar 2 - 0 NZ
— 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧 😎 (@Rolucksbin) January 6, 2023
#PAKvNZ