Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2nd Test: Sarfaraz Ahmed hit a heroic 118, his first Test hundred in 8 years, as Pakistan hung on to a draw. Babar Azam’s men ended the World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle without a Test win at home.
Pakistan may have ended their World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle without a victory at home but Babar Azam’s men would have been more than relieved after having avoided another defeat. In a thrilling finish to the 2nd of a 2-match series against New Zealand, Pakistan snatched a draw, batting out 87 overs on the final day at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday, January 6.
New Zealand need a wicket to win. Pakistan needed 15 runs to win. 3 overs were remaining in the day’s play. However, both teams shook hands as bad light forced an early end, bringing to halt what was becoming a tense finish to the 2nd Test.
Pakistan finished with 304 for 9 in 90 overs when light was offered to the batting team.
SARFARAZ EMERGES HERO
The hero of Pakistan’s effort was former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who hit a stunning 4th innings hundred, his first century in the longest format of the game since 2014. Sarfaraz hit 118 from 176 balls, hitting 9 boundaries and a six as he threatened to take the game away from New Zealand.
Captain Babar Azam edged a Michael Bracewell delivery that was going down the leg to the wicketkeeper to fall for 27 while Shan Masood played a loose shot against Barcewell to depart for 35.
Pakistan slipped to 80 for 5 but Sarfaraz, who played a brisk klnock, stitched a 123-run stand for the 6th wicket with Saud Shakeel, who hit 32 from 146 balls before falling to Bracewell, who was the pick of New Zealand bowlers with figures of 4/75.
Agha Salman thew his wicket away at 30, swiping across the line against Matt Henry in the final session.
Pakistan had to change their approach after losing Hasan Ali (5) as Tim Southee struck with the second new-ball.
