PAKISTAN: Babar Azam’s not-out 161 and Sarfaraz Ahmed’s valiant 86 helped Pakistan reach 317/5 at stumps on the first day of the first Test against New Zealand in Karachi.
Brilliant knock of Babar Azam makes this his 9th century
Test Match Day 1 of PAK vs NZ witnesses a superb game as both team played with a jolting enthusiasm. Pakistan’s Babar Azam steal the spotlight as he managed to bag his 9th century.
The team faced quite a difficulty at the beginning of the game but took a commanding lead after the first innings thanks to Babar Azam’s brilliant 161*.
After being beaten by two successive turning deliveries, Abdullah Shafique was stumped off by Patel’s third delivery.
Pakistan struggled at 48/3 when Shan Masood attempted an overachieved shot against Bracwell’s (3) off-spin.
Tom Blundell then had his second stumping before Imam-ul-Haq (24), who had played unpredictably and was caught at mid-off by Southee.
For New Zealand, Ajaz Patel and Michael Bracewell each took two wickets, while Tim Southee took one. Earlier in the day, Pakistan captain Babar won the toss and opted to bat against New Zealand.
Babar announced before the toss that Sarfaraz Ahmed had replaced Mohammad Rizwan in the playing XI. Mir Hamza, who was introduced to the squad before the first Test, also makes his return to the Test team after making his debut in 2018.
Pakistan will look to avenge a 3-0 home loss to England in the Test series against New Zealand. Pakistan struggled against England and was totally surprised by the bazball effect.
Although the Babar Azam-men took a solid lead today, the Kiwis must not be taken lightly as they hold the World Test championship currently.
Also Read: Test Match: Day 1 Witness South Africa All Out for 189 while Australia Trails by 144
