The second Test match between Pakistan and New Zealand just concluded with neither emerging victorious in the historic Test series. After the first game ended in a draw, everything depended on the outcome of the second game. For the fans, the Test match in Karachi was a real treat.
The toss was won by the visitors, who elected to bat first on what appeared to be a flat wicket. They were able to rack up a significant number of runs in the first innings thanks to Devon Conway’s outstanding century (122 runs in 191 balls). While Tom Latham (71) and Tom Blundell ( 51) also scored half-centuries, it was the 104-run partnership between Matt Henry (68) and Ajaz Patel (35) that helped New Zealand get to a total of 449 in the first innings.
In reply, it was Saud Shakeel (125 runs in 341 balls) who scored a century for Pakistan as they compiled 408 runs in their first innings. Imam Ul Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed played outstanding knocks in addition to Shakeel, scoring 83 and 78 runs, respectively. At the end of the first innings, the Black Caps had a lead of 41 runs.
In the next innings, it was a decent effort from the Kiwi batters to set a good target for Pakistan. Blundel (74) and Latham (62) doubled up on their half-centuries from the previous innings, while Michael Bracewell (74 runs in 119 balls) also joined the party. With a score of 277/5 and a lead of 418 runs, Tim Southee made the bold choice of declaring the innings at the brink of day four.
This choice was wise because, in the final three overs of the day, Abdullah Shafique and night watchman Mir Hamza were both out for ducks. After that, the home side lost a few early wickets on day four. However, Sarfaraz Ahmed did wonders to bring the team back into the game. He scored a century to single-handedly bring the game close to a result.
He was dismissed for a score of 118 as Pakistan came down to 287/9. In the end, Naseem Shah came close to taking his team home with a small cameo of 15, while Abrar Ahmed supported him well. The two helped Pakistan get to a score of 304/9, just 15 runs short of the target. Unfortunately, umpires were forced to call it a day as the light dimmed a lot. With this, the two-match series ended in a 0-0 draw.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Pakistan vs New Zealand series
@vikrantgupta73 Draw khelne wali team draw khel ke bahut khush hui…. #PakvsNz
— Utkarsh (@utkarshsteyn) January 6, 2023
Pichle match mein defend karte fat gayi is match mein chase. Bloody losers, saved by light both times #PakvsNZ
— the birdbrain (@thebirdbrain___) January 6, 2023
They almost had it, in striking distance – just 15 short . Both teams would think they're hard done maybe?#PAKvNZ #PakvsNZ https://t.co/a2ou3wSOnh
— ? (@Tutterdotcom) January 6, 2023
Why the hell would you draw that?? Completely Insane!! At least an over should have been be given. Pathetic decision, 10 days no result for either side!! This shouldn’t have ended this terrible way. #PAKvNZ #PakvsNZ #SarfarazAhmed @SAfridiOfficial @BLACKCAPS
— Syed Wakeel Ahmed (@imwakeel05) January 6, 2023
Well palyed both teams Pakistan and New Zealand ???#PakvsNz#SarfarazAhmed
— Junaid JD ? (@junaidgilgiti) January 6, 2023
Thank You Aleem Dar A true Patriot ???#NZvsPAK #PAKvNZ #PAKvsNZ #SarfarazAhmed pic.twitter.com/HyhOjOWbrR
— Hamza Kaleem (@hamzakaleem5) January 6, 2023
Pakistan vs New Zealand ??#PAKvsNZ #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/BBnvn3htvK
— CricketFans (@_fans_cricket) January 6, 2023
You are playing your ONLY test match in 2023 and still trying to play defensive. That's pathetic. ?
Either win or lose. What does this draw benefit you after losing all the tests last year?
Don't understand this defensive logic at all. Really poor from the team?#PakvsNZ— Zeeshan Munir (@mjzee921) January 6, 2023
Such a heart break as Sarfaraz departs. #PakvsNz
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) January 6, 2023
Offensive rehna tha Sarfaraz ?#PakvsNZ #pakvnz
— Gurdeep Singh (@flaming_deep) January 6, 2023
