PAKISTAN: Sarfaraz Ahmed shone with a brave century as Pakistan maintained composure to draw the second Test against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.
After New Zealand’s courageous declaration, the Kiwi bowers dismissed Abdullah Shafique and nightwatchman Mir Hamza, leaving Pakistan at 0/2 at the start of the last day on their chase of 139 run target.
The hosts lost three wickets in the opening session before Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel stitched together a solid partnership.
Pakistan appeared to be getting closer to victory after Sarfaraz hit his fourth test century.
However, Pakistan lost four quick wickets in the last session, including that of Sarfaraz (118), giving the momentum back to New Zealand.
The final Pakistani pair, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed stood tall and managed to drag the game along before both teams shook hands.
After the first Test finished in a tie, the two-game series ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
Pakistan appeared to be in control of the target hunt during the post-lunch session, with Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel leading the way with their partnership.
The Kiwi bowlers struggled to make inroads as both batsmen appeared to be in good touch.
Sarfaraz Ahmed scored a Test century here to celebrate his comeback to the Pakistan’s squad in style. However, Michael Bracewell came into the attack and removed Saud Shakeel to restore some optimism for the Kiwis’ locker room.
After the fall of Shakeel, Agha Salman and Sarfaraz Ahmed scored runs at a brisk rate, giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope that they could still win the match.
New Zealand
449 (Conway 122, Latham 71, Abrar 4-149) and 277 for 5 declare (Bracewell 74*, Blundell 74, Hamza 1-38)
Pakistan
408 (Shakeel 125*, Imam 83, Ajaz 3-88) and 304 for 9 (Sarfaraz 118, Masood 35, Bracewell 4-75)
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