Safraj out controversially
For New Zealand, left-arm spinner Aijaz Patel took three wickets and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi took two wickets. Returning to Test cricket after nearly four years last week, Sarfaraz, who scored half-centuries in both innings, was stumped in controversial circumstances after scoring 78 runs before Chai. TV umpire Ahsan Raza, after watching several replays, agreed that Sarfaraz’s feet did not touch the ground when Blundell dislodged the stumps.
150 runs partnership
Sarfaraz hit 10 fours in his 109-ball innings. Shakeel and Sarfaraz stitched together a 150-run partnership for nearly three hours, adding runs with ease against New Zealand’s pace and spin mix attack. Pakistan lost the only wicket in the morning session in opener Imam-ul-Haq (83) who missed out on a century for the second time in a row.
Imam became a victim of DRS
Imam, who scored 96 in the drawn first Test last week, had Blundell caught by New Zealand captain Tim Southee. The on-field umpire declared Imam not out but on taking DRS, it was found that the ball touched the bat and reached the hands of the wicketkeeper. Shakeel, who took 42 balls to open the account yesterday, completed his half-century in 173 balls. Shakeel hit off-spinner Bracewell for a four and a single to complete his maiden century in 240 balls.
Earlier, fast bowlers Southee and Henry bowled economically in the morning session. Both spent only 15 runs in 11 overs. Pakistan started the day at 154 for three wickets. Imam hit Henry’s first ball of the day for a four but was dismissed by Southee. Imam faced 165 balls and hit 10 fours and a six in his innings of more than four hours. Imam shared an 83-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Shakeel.
Source: navbharattimes.indiatimes.com
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