‘Unpredictability at its best’ – Fans express their disappointment as Pakistan lose four wickets in last session on Day 3 against NZ
Pakistan finished on 407/9 at stumps on Day 3.
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Jan 4, 2023 6:34 pm
Pakistan vs New Zealand (Source: Twitter)
The second Test between Pakistan and New Zealand headed into Day 3 on Wednesday. Pakistan resumed their innings on 154/3 with Imam-ul-Haq unbeaten on 74 and Saud Shakeel on 13. The duo continued their 55-run stand as Pakistan were 295 runs behind New Zealand’s score. Their partnership eventually ended on 83 as Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed by Tim Southee. Imam’s dismissal brought Sarfaraz Ahmed to the crease who was fresh from two fifties on his comeback in the previous Test.
Sarfaraz and Shakeel added 150 runs for the fifth wicket and took Pakistan to safe shores. Shakeel brought up his maiden Test hundred as Pakistan continued to reduce the deficit. Their brilliant partnership was ended as Sarfaraz was out stumped, given by the third umpire. The decision became the talking point of the day as fans felt that the benefit of the doubt should’ve gone in the batter’s favour.
After Sarfaraz’s dismissal, Pakistan got another brilliant partnership of 53 runs between Agha Salman and Saud Shakeel. While Agha Salman batted at a decent rate, Shakeel got into a shell and was batting with a conservative approach.
Pakistan lost four wickets in the last session
The hosts were just 64 runs behind New Zealand’s first innings total of 449 and were aiming to take a handy lead in the first innings. However, all of their hopes ended late in the day as Pakistan suffered another collapse.
Pakistan went from 385/5 to 397/9 in five overs with the kiwis ending Day 3 on a high note. Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi wreaked havoc on Pakistan batters just before stumps picking up two wickets each.
Pakistan finished Day 3 on 407/9 with Saud Shakeel unbeaten on 124 and Abrar Ahmed on 0. With their team still 42 runs behind New Zealand’s total Pakistan will be hoping to eat up the deficit tomorrow.
With the series tied 0-0, both teams will be looking to force a result in this Test to have their hands on the winner’s trophy.
Meanwhile, Twitter was abuzz with several reactions on the action on Day 3. Here are some of the best Tweets.
Unki tale hame 150-200 runs krdeti ha or hamare wle nikal liye jaldi ka yahe issue ha jb ap over defensive hojate ha batting ma agr runs krne jate to ab tk score level hota 50 ki lead na concede hoti 🤦🤷#NZvsPAK#PakvsNZ
Saud Cowardice approach has overshadowed his Century. We're right back on where we were yesterday or even worse. You can't play 330+ Balls and score just 120 Odd runs. This isn't Eng Pitches where you have to survive and bat. Absolute Dogshit temparment. #PAKvNZL#NZvsPAK
