Published: Nov 28, 2016, 02:00 AM (IST)
Edited: Nov 28, 2016, 11:32 AM (IST)
Good Morning, Morning Pai, صبح بخیر! Hello and welcome to CricketCountry’s live coverage of Pakistan in New Zealand 2016-17. This is Day Four of the second Test between New Zealand and Pakistan and this is where you will get all the live updates of the match. The second Test is being played at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Pakistan, with the help of a gritty knock by Babar Azam have put up strong show against the hosts, while New Zealand still have a 55-run lead in their kitty and will look to build on it in their second innings. New Zealand have already taken an unassailable 1-0 lead and their aim will be to register a clean sweep. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2nd Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
The match has been highly affected by rain. On Day One, New Zealand put up 77 runs with the loss of 2 wickets. They built upon this the following day, taking the score to 271. Opener Jeet Raval scored a commendable half-century while it was BJ Watling’s unbeaten 49 which majorly contributed to the team’s score. Ross Taylor, who is playing with a problem in eye sight, scored 37 while newbie Colin de Grandhomme scored equal runs for New Zealand.
Sohail Khan and Imran Khan were the two Pakistan bowlers who were most effective in the innings with the ball. Imran provided Pakistan with their first breakthrough, removing an in-form Tom Latham for a golden duck. The two bowlers continued getting wickets at regular intervals, restricting the hosts from putting up any mammoth target. Sohail bagged 4 wickets while Imran got 3. The other successful bowlers were Mohammad Aamer with his 2 wickets and Wahab Riaz with his solitary wicket.
In reply, Azam shone for Pakistan to keep them in the contest despite early loss of wickets. Tim Southee provided New Zealand with their first breakthrough as Sami Aslam departed for 5. He was soon followed by skipper Azhar Ali, who could contribute with only one run. Azam took things forward, playing with a lot of patience as wickets kept falling at the other end. Experienced Younis Khan also departed early and left Pakistan reeling at 12 for 3. Azam first found a partner in Asad Shafiq, who scored 23.
Sarfraz Khan also maintained his good form, scoring a much-needed 41 and providing ample support to Azam at the other end. Sohail Khan was the last batsman to contribute with some mentionable runs as he added 37 runs to the scoreboard. Azam remained unbeaten at 90 as Pakistan put up 216, which was a remarkable recovery given the fact that they were reeling at 76 for 5 at one stage. New Zealand started their reply in the second innings but the match was interrupted due to rain and later on, the day was called off. Raval and Latham are at the crease as New Zealand will resume batting on Day Four with a 55-run lead in hand.
Teams:
Pakistan: Sami Aslam, Azhar Ali (c), Younis Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Wahab Riaz, Imran Khan, Mohammad Amir, Sohail Khan.
New Zealand: Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry.
FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2nd Test at Hamilton
