Karachi: Pakistan has overcome a massive first test cricket defeat to New Zealand.
Captain Babar Azam (161 not out with a six and 15 fours off 277 balls) and former captain and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed (86 off 153 balls) led the side at forwards. When play was stopped on the first day, Pakistan had 317 runs for five wickets. Agha Salman (three) joins Babar. Babar and Sarfraz struck a partnership of 196 runs. New Zealand took the lead in the opening session taking four wickets. Left arm spinner Ajaz Patel started wicket chasing by dismissing Abdullah Shafiq (seven) and Shan Masood (three).
Both were blocked by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. This is the first time that the first two wickets in a Test have gone stumping. Opener Imam-ul-Haq (24 off 38 balls) was bowled by Michael Bracewell to Tim Southee. With that, Pakistan became 48 runs for three. The score passed the hundred when Saud Shakeel (22) joined Babar. Saud was broken by Tim Southee at Henty Nicholls. Sarfraz was recalled to the squad after former captain Shahid Afridi became interim chairman of the selection committee. The fifth wicket partnership of Babar and Sarfraz spanned 50 runs in 75 balls, 100 runs in 153 balls and 150 runs in 262 balls. Sarfraz was launched by Ajaz Bracewell.
