| 0.0 : Hello and welcome for the opening Test between Pakistan and New Zealand. Pakistan have recently fared well in the longest format, having beaten Australia, and there's much to be excited about watching them on the field. That is largely down to their new-found star Mohammad Abbas. Him against some quality Kiwi batsmen will be a battle to witness, especially against someone like Kane Williamson. |
| A stern challenge awaits the Black Caps. Firstly, it will be interesting to see what combination they go with. Unlike Pakistan, who have a more or less settled XI, New Zealand have a few new faces to incorporate. The visitors are a balanced, competitive outfit, so the onus will be upon the experienced players in the Pakistan ranks to really step up. All in all, it should be a good contest. The toss and other updates to soon follow. |
| TOSS - New Zealand win the toss and opt to bat first! An expected XI put out by Pakistan, with Hasan Ali getting a spot. Ajaz Patel will make his Test debut for New Zealand. Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme will be the seamers for the tourists, while Ish Sodhi and the debutant will take on the spin responsibilities. |
| We are ready to begin. Tom Latham and Jeet Raval make their way out to the middle, as the Pakistan team spreads out across the field taking their positions. Mohammad Abbas will take the new ball first up. Three slips and a gully in place for him. Let's roll... |
| 0.1 : M Abbas to Raval, FOUR! Fine way to start off! Full and just outside off, Raval leans into the shot and drives it crisply through the big gap in the covers. Finds the fence with ease. Jeet and New Zealand are away. |
| 0.2 : M Abbas to Raval, Much better. Hits the good length area around off, Raval has nothing to do with it. |
| 0.3 : M Abbas to Raval, Another one in the channel outside off, Raval makes another leave. |
| 0.4 : M Abbas to Raval, Oooofff! Well hello! Superb delivery. Bowls it in that channel around off, on a length and it nips away late. Raval looks to defend it from the crease but the ball whizzes past the outside edge. |
| 0.5 : M Abbas to Raval, Just ahead of a length on this occasion, blocked with a straight blade in response. |
| 0.6 : M Abbas to Raval, That wasn't far away either! So close to the off stump. Abbas serves an accurate length delivery around off, Raval makes a watchful leave. |
| Well... this is a surprise! Hasan Ali to share the new ball with Abbas from the other end. Three slips and a gully in place for him too. |
| 1.1 : H Ali to Latham, Spears in a full delivery on off stump, Latham brings a straight blade down in defense. |
| 1.2 : H Ali to Latham, On the fuller side of things, Latham comes on to the front foot and defends yet again. |
| 1.3 : H Ali to Latham, Shaping away from the left-hander, from a good length and outside off, no shot offered to that. |
| 1.4 : H Ali to Latham, Outside off yet again, another easy leave. |
| 1.5 : H Ali to Latham, FOUR! Shot. He'll feel good about that. Latham gets off the mark in style, much similar to his partner at the other end. It's full and outside off, he drives this well through the covers for a boundary. Good balance while playing that. |
| 1.6 : H Ali to Latham, In the channel outside off, left alone to end the over. |
| 2.1 : M Abbas to Raval, Good length ball on the fourth stump line, quite close to the off stump, but Raval keeps his eyes on the ball and lets it be. |
| 2.2 : M Abbas to Raval, Keeps it around that off stump channel, Jeet raises his bat and lets it through. |
| 2.3 : M Abbas to Raval, Good running between the wickets. Raval taps this down just wide of the short cover fielder and both batsmen hare across. |
| 2.4 : M Abbas to Latham, Fullish in length, just outside off, met with the full face of the bat. |
| 2.5 : M Abbas to Latham, Fraction straight in line, on a length, blocked down in front of square leg. Thinks about taking the single at first, but then decides against it. |
| 2.6 : M Abbas to Latham, A little too straight in line, it's clipped down to fine leg for one run. |
| 3.1 : H Ali to Latham, Length delivery attacking the off stick, patted away defensively on the off side. |
| 3.2 : H Ali to Latham, Angling away from Latham, he plays with the angle and taps it to the covers. |
| 3.3 : H Ali to Latham, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 3.4 : H Ali to Latham, Bowls it on the fifth stump line, Tom Latham covers the line, keeps his eyes on the ball and leaves it alone. |
| 3.5 : H Ali to Latham, Outside off once more, another easy leave for the batsman. |
| 3.6 : H Ali to Latham, Good carry on this occasion for Hasan Ali. He hurls it on a length in the off stump channel, left alone for the keeper to collect. |
| 4.1 : M Abbas to Raval, Seeing the ball land outside the line of off stump, Jeet shoulders his arms to it. |
| 4.2 : M Abbas to Raval, Too far outside off this time, another leave. |
| 4.3 : M Abbas to Raval, Make that three in a row. Similar ball, same thing done by the batsman. Left alone. |
| 4.4 : M Abbas to Raval, Switches the angle to around the wicket, angles in a length ball on off, forces Raval to play at this one. It is blocked. |
| 4.5 : M Abbas to Raval, Throws it outside off, Raval lets it go. |
| 4.6 : M Abbas to Raval, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump once again. Good, tight over from Abbas. |
| 5.1 : H Ali to Latham, Good timing on that. Latham offers a firm punch to this fuller length ball and finds the gap through the covers. Two runs result. |
| 5.2 : H Ali to Latham, Similar shot. Plays it through the covers to the man in the deep for two more. |
| 5.3 : H Ali to Latham, FOUR LEG BYES! Too straight from Hasan Ali, a length ball on leg. Latham looks to flick but it goes off his pads, past the diving keeper for a boundary. |
| 5.4 : H Ali to Latham, A touch straight in line, turned away on the leg side with soft hands. |
| 5.5 : H Ali to Latham, Outside off on a length, left alone. |
| 5.6 : H Ali to Latham, Shaping away from around off, Latham plants his front foot forward, covers the line and makes a watchful leave. |
| 6.1 : M Abbas to Raval, Abbas continues from around the wicket and pitches it wide outside off, no way Jeet Raval is going to bother himself with that. |
| 6.2 : M Abbas to Raval, Full length delivery on off stump, blocked by taking a big stride forward. |
| 6.3 : M Abbas to Raval, Angling in at first but then straightening up off the seam, worked straight to the man at short mid-wicket. |
| 6.4 : M Abbas to Raval, Keeps it on the fuller side, around off, defensively pushed away to the cover area. |
| 6.5 : M Abbas to Raval, Coming in at first but then goes away, Jeet stays inside his crease and meets it with the full face. |
| 6.6 : M Abbas to Raval, Uses the angle into him to turn this away in front of square leg and get to the other end. |
| First bowling change for Pakistan. Bilal Asif is brought into the attack. The lone slip in place for him, along with a short leg. |
| 7.1 : B Asif to Raval, Short, flat and quick on off, Raval goes back and punches it to the man at cover. |
| 7.2 : B Asif to Raval, Slows this one up. Loops it up on off, Raval comes forward to keep it out. |
| 7.3 : B Asif to Raval, Nicely tosses it up on middle and off, Raval brings his bat ahead of his pad and defends. |
| 7.4 : B Asif to Raval, A touch quicker through the air, around off, blocked. |
| 7.5 : B Asif to J Raval, Pushes this floated delivery through the cover area for a single. |
| 7.6 : B Asif to Latham, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 8.1 : M Abbas to Raval, Wow. That was close. Really close. Abbas bowls this full, makes it comes in and then it goes away late. Raval has no option but to play at it. Comes forward, hangs his bat out and gets beaten. |
| 8.2 : M Abbas to Raval, Full delivery outside off, a mistimed drive finds its way to the cover fielder. |
| 8.3 : M Abbas to Raval, Good length delivery outside off, left alone. |
| 8.4 : M Abbas to Raval, Full ball attacking the stumps, driven straight back in the bowler's direction. |
| 8.5 : M Abbas to Raval, On a length, on off, kept out from within the crease. |
| 8.6 : M Abbas to Raval, So this is smart by Raval. He's standing well outside the crease to deal with Abbas' swing. Works too, as he defends it a bit square on the off side. |
| 9.1 : B Asif to Latham, Quite slow through the air from around the wicket, spinning away outside off. No shot offered by Latham. |
| 9.2 : B Asif to Latham, Well outside off, going away again, Tommy Latham lets it be. |
| 9.3 : B Asif to Latham, Drifting in on off, turning away, Tom stays inside the crease and defends it down on the off side. |
| 9.4 : B Asif to Latham, Latham shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 9.5 : B Asif to Latham, Flatter and shorter outside off, guarded out safely. |
| 9.6 : B Asif to Latham, On the shorter side of things again, it's played back to the bowler. End of the over. |
| 10.1 : M Abbas to Raval, Fires it full and just outside off, driven to the covers. |
| 10.2 : M Abbas to Raval, OUT! And he strikes! What a delivery from a superb bowler. Bowls it a tad fuller outside off, it's angling in at first but then it moves away ever so slightly. Raval is forced to play at it and is undone by the late movement. The edge is taken and it's a regulation take for captain Sarfraz Ahmed behind the stumps. |
| Skipper Kane Williamson is in at no.3. |
| 10.3 : M Abbas to Williamson, Fuller length delivery on off, Williamson defends it well towards mid-wicket. |
| 10.4 : M Abbas to Williamson, Brings it in a little, on middle this time, Williamson gets right behind the line and blocks it in the same area. |
| 10.5 : M Abbas to Williamson, Shaping away from outside off, Kane makes a rather simple leave. |
| 10.6 : M Abbas to Williamson, A length ball which is in the channel just outside off, blocked by taking a step forward. Good over from Abbas comes to an end. A wicket maiden for him. |
| 11.1 : B Asif to Latham, Quicker off break outside off, short too, Latham goes back and forces it to covers. |
| 11.2 : B Asif to Latham, A bit fuller around off, kept out from inside the crease. |
| 11.3 : B Asif to Latham, Lands it short once more, Tom is on the back foot to keep this out. |
| 11.4 : B Asif to Latham, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 11.5 : B Asif to Latham, Rocks on the back foot and guards it out without much trouble. |
| 11.6 : B Asif to Latham, FOUR! That's a very good shot from Tom Latham. Bilal loops it up on off stump, the southpaw leans into the shot and wrists it through the left of mid on for a boundary. |
| 12.1 : M Abbas to Williamson, Good length just on top of off stump, Williamson defends solidly on the back foot. |
| 12.2 : M Abbas to Williamson, Good ball just outside off, Williamson is good in defense though. |
| 12.3 : M Abbas to Williamson, Similar ball again, and well defended again by Williamson. |
| 12.4 : M Abbas to Williamson, Length ball outside off, comes ahead and defends again. |
| 12.5 : M Abbas to Williamson, Slightly full this time, and Williamson is off the mark with a flick to mid-wicket. The batsmen run three. Good running! |
| 12.6 : M Abbas to Latham, Around the wicket to Latham, just ahead of a good length and on off stump. Latham comes ahead and defends with the straight bat. Umpire signals for Drinks to come onto the field. |
| The first Drinks of the match is on the field now! A very sedate start to the day by the Black Caps. Abbas has struck to dismiss Raval, but Latham and Williamson are looking good out there. The pitch is looking like a flat cement road and beautiful for batting. A long day for the bowlers and fielders seems to be in store! |
| 13.1 : B Asif to Williamson, Shorter and on off stump, Williamson flicks it to square leg. |
| 13.2 : B Asif to Williamson, Looped up this time, kept out on the front foot. |
| 13.3 : B Asif to Williamson, FOUR! Quick feet from the skipper and the good length ball on off is flicked away through mid-wicket for his first boundary. |
| 13.4 : B Asif to Williamson, Flighted on off, defended after coming ahead by KW. |
| 13.5 : B Asif to Williamson, Looped up outside off, dead-batted onto the ground. |
| 13.6 : B Asif to Williamson, Flatter outside off this time, Kane rocks back and punches it through the covers for three. |
| Yasir Shah is into the attack now. |
| 14.1 : Y Shah to Williamson, Short one to start off with outside off stump, Kane cuts it to sweeper and picks up one. |
| 14.2 : Y Shah to Latham, Short and spinning quite a bit down the leg, huge appeal from the keeper and Yasir for caught behind. But the ball seems to have grazed the thigh pad before Sarfaraz takes it. Umpire wants nothing to do with it. |
| 14.3 : Y Shah to Latham, Shorter and on off stump, Latham stays back and defends. |
| 14.4 : Y Shah to Latham, OUT! Caught by Hafeez at short mid-wicket! A very soft dismissal to be honest. The ball was flighted on off and turned in a bit after landing, Latham is brought forward into a shot and plays it in the air towards mid-wicket and Hafeez is there to take the simplest of catches. A wicket thrown away by New Zealand. Yasir is pumped up! |
| Ross Taylor is next in to bat. |
| 14.5 : Y Shah to Taylor, Flatter and quicker on middle, Taylor defends off the back foot. |
| 14.6 : Y Shah to Taylor, Flighted this time, Taylor comes ahead and dead bats it into the ground. |
| Hasan Ali is back on. |
| 15.1 : H Ali to Williamson, Good length outside off, Williamson defends it safely to cover. |
| 15.2 : H Ali to Williamson, Slightly fuller this time, Kane gets right behind the line of the ball and defends it. |
| 15.3 : H Ali to Williamson, Just short of a good length outside off, William cuts it straight to point this time. Well timed but no run. |
| 15.4 : H Ali to Williamson, Pitching on off stump and shaping in slightly, Williamson isn't troubled. Defends it to short mid-wicket. |
| 15.5 : H Ali to Williamson, Shorter and outside off, Williamson plays it away to cover. |
| 15.6 : H Ali to Williamson, Good variation from Hasan, fuller and on middle and shapes in after landing. Williamson looks to flick it and misses as the ball hits his pad. Sarfaraz and the bowler consider reviewing but too much time has passed and they don't in the end. Good decision not to review in hindsight as the replays show the ball would've missed leg stump. |
| 16.1 : Y Shah to R Taylor, Spinning away from around off, Taylor looks to defend but it goes off the edge behind square on the off side. |
| 16.2 : Y Shah to Taylor, Taylor rocks onto the back foot and punches it through to sweeper cover for one. |
| 16.3 : Shah to Williamson, Darted in full on the stumps, jammed out well to keep it at bay. |
| 16.4 : Y Shah to Williamson, Short and flat from the leggie, Kane is back as he whips this through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 16.5 : Y Shah to Taylor, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 16.6 : Y Shah to Taylor, Looped right up there, Taylor brings his bat ahead of his pad and blocks it out. |
| 17.1 : H Ali to Williamson, Good ball to start the over, on length and off stump line, well defended by Kane though. |
| 17.2 : H Ali to Williamson, Slightly fuller and outside off, Kane covers the line of the ball and defends it. |
| 17.3 : H Ali to Williamson, Length ball shaping in on off stump, the skipper defends it comfortably. |
| 17.4 : H Ali to Williamson, Shorter this time outside off, Kane punches it towards point. |
| 17.5 : H Ali to Williamson, Slightly fuller outside off, Williamson defends on the front foot. |
| 17.6 : H Ali to Williamson, Good length and shaping in again on off stump, Kane plays the backfoot on drive to mid on. |
| 18.1 : Y Shah to Taylor, Quicker one on off stump, Taylor tries to cut but gets the inside half and goes back to the bowler. |
| 18.2 : Y Shah to Taylor, Flighted outside off, driven to short cover. |
| 18.3 : Y Shah to Taylor, Fuller on the pads this time, Taylor drives to mid on. |
| 18.4 : Y Shah to Taylor, Slightly shorter, Taylor defends on the back foot. |
| 18.5 : Y Shah to Taylor, Outside off and spins away, Taylor leaves it alone. |
| 18.6 : Y Shah to Taylor, Flighted outside off, Taylor wants to drive but gets the inside half again and just pushes it to cover in the end. |
| 19.1 : H Ali to Williamson, Lands it on a good length outside off, holding its line, Kane watches the line closely and lets it be. |
| 19.2 : H Ali to Williamson, Back of a length delivery around off, Williamson goes on the back foot and punches it through the line. Finds the cover fielder. Looking quite good and composed at the crease, the Kiwi skipper. |
| 19.3 : H Ali to Williamson, Brings a length ball back into the batsman from around off, Williamson stays back and closes the face of the bat to play it towards the mid-wicket fielder. |
| 19.4 : H Ali to Williamson, Good length delivery on off, Kane goes on the back foot and pushes it towards the mid on fielder. |
| 19.5 : H Ali to Williamson, This time the length is full and in line of the stumps, Williamson immediately gets behind the delivery and keeps it out safely towards mid-wicket. |
| 19.6 : H Ali to Williamson, Fractionally short and on off, Williamson rocks back and blocks it safely towards mid on. A maiden over. |
| 20.1 : Y Shah to Taylor, Flighted delivery, on the shorter side around off, Taylor moves back and slaps it with the spin through point for a run. |
| 20.2 : Y Shah to Williamson, Extra flight this time, full and drifting in around off, Kane presses forward in defense. |
| 20.3 : Y Shah to Williamson, Once again Yasir gives it a good toss and lands it full on middle, Williamson defends it back from the inner half of the bat. |
| 20.4 : Y Shah to Williamson, Loopy and on off, a shade short in length, Kane pushes his weight on the back foot and punches it through the cover region for a run. |
| 20.5 : Shah to Taylor, OUT! Caught behind! Lovely bowling by the leggie and he has hunted down New Zealand's most experienced played. He once again gives it a nice loop and lands his leggie on a fuller length just outside off. Taylor, with a sorry footwork, feels for it inside the line and the ball spins away a bit to take the outside edge. Sarfraz makes no mistake behind the wickets and Taylor immediately walks back without even waiting for the decision. New Zealand slip further. Don't think the |
| Henry Nicholls is in next. |
| 20.6 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Appeal for an lbw! A tossed up ball on middle, turning back in at 83.3 kph, Nicholls prods forward to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. They put in an unsuccessful appeal. Later, Pakistan think about reviewing it but then decide against it. Good call. End of a successful over. |
| 21.1 : H Ali to Williamson, Kane is timing his shots beautifully. Needless to say, he holds the key from hereon. Gets on the front foot to a full ball and drives it in the gap at covers for a run. |
| 21.2 : H Ali to Nicholls, Back of a length delivery on middle and leg, Nicholls goes on the back foot and defends. |
| 21.3 : H Ali to Nicholls, Switches to 'round the wicket and angles in a length ball on middle and off, Nicholls covers the line and blocks it safely. |
| 21.4 : H Ali to Nicholls, Nice tempting line. Hasan pitches it up and outside off, inviting the drive but Henry lets it go to the keeper. |
| 21.5 : H Ali to Nicholls, Slightly short in length and angling into the batsman from outside off, Nicholls blocks it solidly to the off side. |
| 21.6 : H Ali to Nicholls, Alters his length this time and spears in a full ball on middle and off, Henry gets behind the line and pushes it out to covers. |
| 22.1 : Y Shah to Williamson, Flatter and shorter on off, Williamson goes back and punches it to sweeper cover for a run. He is showing to his batsmen that there isn't anything to worry about in this surface. |
| 22.2 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Surrounded by four close-in fielders, Henry Nicholls. Still he keeps a calm head to a shortish ball and punches it through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 22.3 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Quicker through the air, flat and on middle, Nicholls gets back and blocks it. |
| 22.4 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Lands it full and on off, Nicholls lunges and defends it watchfully. |
| 22.5 : Y Shah to Nicholls, An attempted googly on middle and off, a bit on the shorter side, Henry goes back in defense. |
| 22.6 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Loopy and full, landing on off, Henry is just a little tentative in getting on the front foot as he defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 23.1 : H Ali to Williamson, Bouncer but wayward down the legside, Williamson just ducks under it. |
| 23.2 : H Ali to Williamson, Good length and just outside off, Kane comes ahead and defends confidently. |
| 23.3 : H Ali to Williamson, Good length and well outside off this time, the skipper lets it go through. |
| 23.4 : H Ali to Williamson, Yorker length and outside off, Williamson digs it into the ground. |
| 23.5 : H Ali to Williamson, Back to good length and slightly shaping in, Kane defends to cover. |
| 23.6 : H Ali to Williamson, Slightly short of length and on top of off stump, Williamson defends to mid on. |
| Second Drinks break of the session. In case you are wondering why, the first session in U.A.E on Fridays is slightly extended due to prayers and Lunch will be a one-hour break. |
| 24.1 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Flighted on middle, Nicholls comes ahead and defends. |
| 24.2 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Similar delivery, the batsman comes ahead and keeps it out. |
| 24.3 : Y Shah to Nicholls, FOUR! Nicholls charges down the wicket to a loopy delivery on middle and hits it over mid on cleanly. A boundary results. |
| 24.4 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Full and flighted outside off, Nicholls comes ahead and defends. |
| 24.5 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Flatter ball on middle, the batsman goes back and defends on the back foot this time. |
| 24.6 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Flighted delivery to end the over, Nicholls comes forward and dead bats it. |
| Bilal Asif is back into the bowling attack. |
| 25.1 : B Asif to Williamson, Short and outside off, Williamson cuts it but it goes straight to point. |
| 25.2 : B Asif to Williamson, Loopy ball on off stump but turns in a bit and is played away behind square on the leg side for a single by the skipper. |
| 25.3 : B Asif to Nicholls, Quicker ball on off stump, Nicholls stays back and defends it. |
| 25.4 : B Asif to Nicholls, Full and flighted, Nicholls comes ahead and defends with a straight bat. |
| 25.5 : B Asif to Nicholls, Flatter ball and turns slightly, Nicholls defends on the back foot towards the off side. |
| 25.6 : B Asif to Nicholls, Shorter length on middle, bounces a little more and is defended from within the crease by the batsman. |
| 26.1 : Y Shah to Williamson, FOUR! Flatter and quicker on the pads, Williamson picks up the length very quickly and rocks back and flicks it away front of square on the leg side four a beautiful boundary. Also brings up the 50 for New Zealand. |
| 26.2 : Y Shah to Williamson, Short and wide outside off, Williamson looks to cut and the ball takes a thick edge and goes in the air to left of point. "Catch it!" is the shout from Sarfaraz but it was pretty far away from the fielder. The batsmen pick up three. |
| 26.3 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Shorter and on the pads, defended off the back foot. |
| 26.4 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Full and flighted outside off, Nicholls comes ahead and dead bats it. |
| 26.5 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Flighted outside off, Nicholls plays the cover drive against the spin and gets in the gap for a couple of runs. |
| 26.6 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Flatter ball and on off, the batsman goes back and defends it comfortably. |
| 27.1 : B Asif to Williamson, Short ball and on off stump, Williamson moves slightly and plays to deep square leg for a run. |
| 27.2 : B Asif to Nicholls, Flighted outside off, draws Nicholls ahead but he defends well. |
| 27.3 : B Asif to Nicholls, Flatter and quicker this time on middle, Nicholls goes back and defends. |
| 27.4 : B Asif to Nicholls, Full and quick outside off, the batsman comes ahead and defends with a straight bat. |
| 27.5 : B Asif to Nicholls, Shorter again this time, the batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the backfoot. |
| 27.6 : B Asif to Nicholls, Flighted on middle, Nicholls defends it after getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 28.1 : Y Shah to Williamson, FOUR! Classic Williamson here! Flatter ball well outside off, but the skipper flicks it to the deep mid-wicket boundary for four. |
| 28.2 : Y Shah to Williamson, Fuller in length this time, KW comes ahead and defends. |
| 28.3 : Y Shah to Williamson, Quicker delivery on off stump line, Williamson is quick to come ahead and defend. |
| 28.4 : Y Shah to Williamson, Overpitched and played by Kane to the short mid-wicket fielder that's just been brought a little straighter. |
| 28.5 : Y Shah to Williamson, Short and spinning away outside off, Williamson cuts it straight to point. |
| 28.6 : Y Shah to Williamson, Full and driven to deep extra cover for a run. |
| 29.1 : B Asif to Williamson, Full and at the pads, played to short square leg. |
| 29.2 : B Asif to Williamson, Even shorter this time, Williamson rocks back and pulls it but it goes straight to the fielder at square leg again. |
| 29.3 : B Asif to Williamson, Slightly fuller this time but at the pads, Williamson works it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 29.4 : B Asif to Nicholls, Flighted on off stump, Nicholls comes ahead and defends. |
| 29.5 : B Asif to Nicholls, Shorter ball on middle, the batsman goes back and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 29.6 : B Asif to Nicholls, Loopy delivery on off stump, Nicholls comes forward and defends it well. |
| 30.1 : Y Shah to Williamson, On off stump and turning away but Kane gets down and paddle sweeps it towards fine leg. They run three. |
| 30.2 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Full and fast on leg stump, Nicholls gets his bat ahead of his front pad and defends it. |
| 30.3 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Goes around the wicket now, pitches outside off on a full length. Nicholls sweeps it in front of square on the leg side for a couple. |
| 30.4 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Shorter ball and turning into the left-hander, he defends off the back foot. |
| 30.5 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Fuller and outside off, Nicholls sweeps it to short fine leg. |
| 30.6 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Nicholls tries to sweep again on a similar length delivery and finds the fielder again. No run. |
| 31.1 : B Asif to Williamson, Flighted on the stumps from around the wicket, goes back and turns it with the spin past short leg for a single. |
| 31.2 : B Asif to Nicholls, A lot of air on this, landed on off, Henry is well forward in defense. |
| 31.3 : B Asif to Nicholls, Lovely. Really slow through the air, on off, spins away and beats the outside edge of Henry Nicholls' bat. Beaten in the flight. |
| 31.4 : B Asif to Nicholls, Sliding in on middle and leg, Nicholls works it off his pads on the leg side. |
| 31.5 : B Asif to Nicholls, Similar kind of ball, it's defended down on the leg side once more. |
| 31.6 : B Asif to Nicholls, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 32.1 : Y Shah to Williamson, That must have hurt! Yikes! Williamson goes and pulls it with a lot of power. Unfortunately, catches Imam on the inside of the thigh. Lucky it wasn't a bit to his left, would have done some serious damage. |
| 0.0 : The physio is out to have a look at Imam. The magic spray is out. Should be fine to continue. |
| 32.2 : Y Shah to Williamson, Short and wide outside off, slapped through to sweeper cover for a run. |
| 32.3 : Y Shah to Nicholls, From around the wicket, it's tossed up on middle and off. Spins in as the left-hander presses forward and buries it into the track. |
| 32.4 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Spinning in from middle, it goes off Nicholls' pads and Imam at short leg takes the catch. Pakistan appeal, but to no avail. |
| 32.5 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Goes with the spin and turns it away on the on side. |
| 32.6 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Positions himself right behind the line of the ball and defends. |
| 33.1 : B Asif to Williamson, Bilal continues from around the wicket, pitches it on off. Williamson backs away and punches it a bit square on the off side for a double. |
| 33.2 : B Asif to Williamson, Uses the depth of the crease to go inside and work it down in front of short leg. |
| 33.3 : B Asif to K Williamson, A lot of flight on this, on leg, swept down to fine leg for one. |
| 33.4 : B Asif to Nicholls, Drifting in on middle and then turning away, some pace given to this. It is kept out from the back foot. |
| 33.5 : B Asif to Nicholls, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 33.6 : B Asif to Nicholls, FOUR! Too straight in line and it's put away. Tossed up on middle and leg, Nicholls gets low and sweeps it through the square leg area to send it across the boundary line. |
| 34.1 : Y Shah to Williamson, Pushed quicker through the air, on the stumps, from over the wicket. Kane prods forward and pushes it away. |
| 34.2 : Y Shah to Williamson, Knocks it into the covers and gets to the other end. |
| The umpire is checking the shape. Cuts off some of the threads off it and we're good to continue. |
| 34.3 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Looped up leg break attacking the stumps, blocked right under his nose. |
| 34.4 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Full outside off, Nicholls gets forward and across as he drags the sweep behind square leg. Wants the run but it's too close to the fielder. |
| 34.5 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Waits for the ball to come to him before guarding it out off the back foot. |
| 34.6 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Shifts his weight on the back foot and turns it to backward square leg. |
| Haris Sohail will roll his arm over. |
| 35.1 : H Sohail to Williamson, Starts from around the wicket, serves it around off and it spins away. Williamson leaves it alone. |
| 35.2 : H Sohail to Williamson, A touch shorter around off, Kane camps back and pushes it away from the body on the off side. |
| 35.3 : H Sohail to Williamson, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 35.4 : H Sohail to K Williamson, Goes with the spin and drives it through the gap in the covers. One run collected. |
| 35.5 : H Sohail to Nicholls, Spinning in on middle and leg, easy enough for Henry to sweep it behind square leg for a single. |
| 35.6 : H Sohail to Williamson, Full on the stumps, guarded out well. |
| Mohammad Hafeez is on now. Probably the last over before Lunch. |
| 36.1 : M Hafeez to Nicholls, Quicker through the air around off, met with the full face of the bat. |
| 36.2 : M Hafeez to Nicholls, Straighter in line, worked in front of short mid-wicket. |
| 36.3 : M Hafeez to Nicholls, Some flight on this, on off stump, Nicholls presses forward to meet it with a straight bat. |
| 36.4 : M Hafeez to Nicholls, Nicholls has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 36.5 : M Hafeez to Nicholls, Watches the ball as it comes to him and blocks. |
| 36.6 : M Hafeez to Nicholls, Drifting in on a fuller length, around off, nicely negotiated by the left-hander. That's LUNCH ON DAY 1! |
| A grinding session for New Zealand, and Pakistan too in all honesty. The surface didn't have much to offer, but despite that, Pakistan have managed to pick three wickets, which will particularly please them after losing the toss. Abbas started it all off by removing Raval first, Yasir joined in and got rid of both Latham and Taylor rather quickly. Williamson, who is looking quite assured as always, has since joined hands with Nicholls to put 81 on the board with their stand currently on 42. |
| Batting usually gets easier in the afternoon session, so New Zealand will look to score a bit freely. Though, they will remember that the ball is turning, so they have to be wary of the Pakistan spinners. Remember, it's an extended Lunch break due to the Friday prayers, so play will resume at 1330 local (0930 GMT). |
| ... Day 1, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the afternoon session. Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls will carry on from where they left off. Yasir Shah to take the ball first. A slip and a short leg in place. |
| 37.1 : Y Shah to Williamson, First ball after lunch is flighted outside off, Williamson drives it to covers for a single. |
| 37.2 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Around the wicket to the left-hander, looped up outside off, turns into Nicholls who comes ahead and defends. |
| 37.3 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Loopy outside off again, Nicholls comes and sweeps it to fine leg for a couple. Little risky but plays it well in the end. |
| 37.4 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Full and outside off, the batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 37.5 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Slightly shorter, Nicholls goes back and defends off the back foot. |
| 37.6 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Way outside off, Nicholls prods well forward and defends it to short cover. |
| Mohammad Abbas to bowl some medium pace from the other end. |
| 38.1 : M Abbas to Williamson, Short of a length on off, Williamson defends to cover off the back foot. |
| 38.2 : M Abbas to Williamson, Slightly ahead this time on off stump, Williamson plays it to mid-wicket. |
| 38.3 : M Abbas to Williamson, Good length outside off and shaping in slightly, Williamson lets it go. |
| 38.4 : M Abbas to Williamson, Good length on off stump, the NZ skipper just defends it back with a straight bat calmly. |
| 38.5 : M Abbas to Williamson, Length delivery and Abbas is pegging away at off stump, Williamson is unperturbed and defends again. |
| 38.6 : M Abbas to Williamson, Fuller this time on off, Williamson defends it to mid on. |
| 39.1 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Shorter length outside off, spins into Nicholls. He wants to push it to square leg but it hits forward short leg. |
| 39.2 : Shah to Nicholls, Good spin on this one, landing outside off and spins enough to beat Nicholls' bat who wants to defend it. He gets hit high on the pad. Pakistan appeal but aren't too vociferous. |
| 39.3 : Y Shah to H Nicholls, This one keeps low, ball is fuller and outside off. It turns in and keeps low on the stumps, Nicholls gets down in time and pulls it to square leg. |
| 39.4 : Y Shah to Nicholls, FOUR! Nice-looking shot from Nicholls. He stays back to a short pitched ball and punches it straight down the ground to long on for four runs. Sarfraz isn't too pleased with the mid on fielder's effort. |
| 39.5 : Y Shah to Nicholls, FOUR! Swept away this time. Outside off and flighted, Nicholls goes down early and sweeps it away behind square leg for another boundary. It also brings up the 50-run partnership between these two. |
| 39.6 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Full on off stump, Nicholls comes ahead and defends it. |
| 40.1 : M Abbas to Williamson, Good length and on off stump. Williamson defends it with a straight bat. |
| 40.2 : M Abbas to Williamson, Full and on off again, Kane will keep those out all day long. |
| 40.3 : M Abbas to Williamson, Short and bowled a little wide off the crease, Williamson looks to punch it off the back foot but doesn't connect well. |
| 40.4 : M Abbas to Williamson, Elegant shot from the NZ skipper here, it was full and just outside off, he goes ahead and times it beautifully in the gap through the covers. It is a long chase for Azhar Ali who does well in the end to save one run for his team. There are plenty of replays being looked at before the umpire decides it's a legal stop. |
| 40.5 : M Abbas to Nicholls, Short and on middle, Nicholls defends it on the back foot. |
| 40.6 : M Abbas to Nicholls, Fuller length this time, the batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground on the off side. |
| 41.1 : Y Shah to Williamson, FOUR! Easy pickings! Very short and on middle. Kane stays low and pulls it away to deep square leg for four easily. |
| 41.2 : Y Shah to Williamson, 50 up for Williamson! He is such a consistent performer. The ball is short and wide outside off, Williamson just dabs it behind point and comes back for two. Making batting look very easy here. It is his 27th fifty in Test cricket. He will be looking to go big in this innings. |
| 41.3 : Y Shah to Williamson, Full and flighted, Kane covers the spin and keeps it out. |
| 41.4 : Y Shah to K Williamson, Looped up full outside off, Kane drives it through extra cover for another couple. |
| 41.5 : Y Shah to Williamson, Short and outside off, Williamson just pushes it away to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 41.6 : Y Shah to Nicholls, Full and outside off from around the wicket to Nicholls. He comes ahead and dead bats it. |
| 42.1 : M Abbas to Williamson, Good length on off stump, Williamson presents the full face of the bat as he defends it. |
| 42.2 : M Abbas to Williamson, What happened there? Kept a little low after bouncing on a length outside off. Kane was trying to defend it but it took the inside edge and fell down on the leg side. |
| 42.3 : M Abbas to Williamson, Similar delivery but the bounce is true this time. Kane defends it straight back to the bowler. |
| 42.4 : M Abbas to Williamson, Good length ball a bit wide outside off, Williamson shoulders his arms to it. |
| 42.5 : M Abbas to Williamson, Good length ball on off stump, Williamson shows off his textbook back foot defense again. |
| 42.6 : M Abbas to Williamson, Length ball outside off again, Kane is slightly ahead and defends it toward point. |
| Hasan Ali is back into the attack. |
| 43.1 : H Ali to Nicholls, Around the wicket to the leftie, outside off and on a good length. The ball shapes away slightly after landing. Nicholls leaves it alone. |
| 43.2 : H Ali to Nicholls, Full and outside off, Nicholls drives it between point and cover and the fielder dives and stops it just in front of the boundary. 3 runs have been picked up. |
| 43.3 : H Ali to Williamson, Outside off stump and slightly fuller than good length, Kane decides to leave it alone. |
| 43.4 : H Ali to Williamson, This one is on a similar length but comes in slightly after landing. Kane watcfully lets it go through to the keeper. |
| 43.5 : H Ali to Williamson, FOUR! The ball is short and outside off, this is a great cut shot behind point for a boundary from the New Zealand captain. |
| 43.6 : H Ali to Williamson, Good length and on off stump, Kane goes back and defends it back to the bowler. |
| 44.1 : M Abbas to Nicholls, OUT! Caught by Sarfraz. Nothing shot from Nicholls, very less foot movement on this one. He just drives expansively from his crease and gets the outside edge which is safely pouched by a diving Sarfraz to his left. The ball was full and outside off and was actually a half volley but instead Pakistan have been presented with a wicket. |
| 0.0 : BJ Watling is the new batsman. |
| 44.2 : M Abbas to Watling, Good yorker length delivery to welcome Watling to the crease. He defends it watchfully. |
| 44.3 : M Abbas to Watling, Short and outside off, Watling defends on the back foot to cover. |
| 44.4 : M Abbas to Watling, A carbon copy of the previous delivery. And a similar shot played by the batsman as well. |
| 44.5 : M Abbas to Watling, Fuller in length and on middle this time, Watling defends it to mid on. |
| 44.6 : M Abbas to Watling, Good length on off stump. Abbas is relentless, Watling defends it to mid off. |
| 45.1 : H Ali to Williamson, Good length ball outside off, calmly defended into the ground on the off side by Kane. |
| 45.2 : H Ali to Williamson, Slightly short of a good length, Williamson guides it toward gully. |
| 45.3 : H Ali to Williamson, Length ball just outside off. Well judged leave by the skipper this time. |
| 45.4 : H Ali to Williamson, Back to short of a good length on top of off, William punches it back down the ground with a straight bat. |
| 45.5 : H Ali to Williamson, Beautiful shot from Williamson. Asad Shafiq gives chase and stops it just inside the boundary. Ball was on a good length and outside off, he drives it elegantly in the gap through the covers and picks up 3 runs. |
| 45.6 : H Ali to Watling, Full and angling into the pads, Watling tucks it away behind square on the leg side to get off the mark. |
| 46.1 : M Abbas to Watling, Good length on off stump from Abbas again, Watling defends it on the front foot. |
| 46.2 : M Abbas to Watling, Length delivery again on the top of off, Watling stays back to defend it straight. |
| 46.3 : M Abbas to Watling, This one skids after landing on a good length on off stump, Watling is quick to come ahead, stays down and defends it with ease. |
| 46.4 : M Abbas to Watling, Good length ball again outside off, Watling just keeps it out by playing it back straight. |
| 46.5 : M Abbas to BJ Watling, Fuller and angling in to middle, Watling drives to mid on. |
| 46.6 : M Abbas to Watling, Shorter this time, Watling stays back and defends it. |
| 47.1 : H Ali to Williamson, Full and outside off, slight shape which is covered and defended on front foot by Kane. |
| 47.2 : H Ali to Williamson, This one is short and outside off, Williamson pulls it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 47.3 : H Ali to Watling, FOUR! This ball is on a length and outside off, Watling plays it with soft hands and guides it to the third man boundary. |
| 47.4 : H Ali to Watling, Good length ball just outside off, Watling stays back and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 47.5 : H Ali to Watling, Length ball well outside off, Watling shoulders his arm to this one. |
| 47.6 : H Ali to Watling, Just short of a good length and comes in after landing, Watling defends it to mid on off the back foot. |
| Haris Sohail has been brought back into the attack. Not sure if it's needed, maybe to give a change of ends to his main bowlers. |
| 48.1 : H Sohail to Williamson, Flighted on middle, Williamson prods forward and dead bats it. |
| 48.2 : H Sohail to Williamson, Short and outside off, cut away by the skipper to get a single. |
| 48.3 : H Sohail to Watling, Full and on middle, Watling's turn to defend now. |
| 48.4 : H Sohail to Watling, Flatter one fired at the pads, Watling turns it away behind square leg for a run. |
| 48.5 : H Sohail to Williamson, Full and at the pads, Williamson pushes it to square leg for a single. He wants two but then decides against it. |
| 48.6 : H Sohail to Watling, Shorter and on middle, Watling goes back and defends it showing the full face of the bat. |
| 49.1 : H Ali to Williamson, OUT! Caught by Sarfraz. Pakistan have got another gift, Williamson and New Zealand will be really disappointed. The ball was a short one and going down leg, the Blackcaps skipper was looking to pull it behind square leg and gets the slightest feather to the wicket-keeper. He was looking so good out there in the middle but has just a minor lapse of concentration and thrown it away. It was going down leg and was an easy run scoring opportunity. This is a huge wicket and |
| 0.0 : Drinks break. Meanwhile, Colin de Grandhomme has joined Watling in the middle. |
| 49.2 : H Ali to Grandhomme, Out! LBW by Hasan Ali. Grandhomme gets a reverse swinging beauty on a good length, the first ball he faces. He is late on his defensive prod straight and gets hit on the pad in front of middle stump. There was no chance that was missing or going above the stumps. Colin asks Watling if he should go upstairs, but is smartly advised not to. Hasan Ali on a hat-trick! |
| Ish Sodhi to face the hat-trick ball. |
| 49.3 : H Ali to Sodhi, No hat-trick for Hasan. The ball is on good length and on off stump, Ish Sodhi defends it well and back to the bowler. |
| 49.4 : H Ali to Sodhi, Full and on off stump again, Sodhi defends it with the full face of the bat again. |
| 49.5 : H Ali to Sodhi, Bouncer aimed at the head, Ish ducks under it and lets it go through to the keeper. |
| 49.6 : H Ali to Sodhi, FOUR! This was an attempted yorker, Sodhi takes it on the full and pushes it down to long off where there is a huge gap. The ball rolls all along the ground for four runs. |
| 50.1 : H Sohail to Watling, Flighted full ball on leg, Watling plays it out off his pads to mid-wicket. |
| 50.2 : H Sohail to Watling, Flatter and bit shorter on off, BJ punches it off his back foot to mid off. |
| 50.3 : H Sohail to Watling, This one skids back in from around off, Watling blocks it solidly. |
| 50.4 : H Sohail to Watling, Shortish and on off, stroked off the back foot through covers for a run. |
| 50.5 : H Sohail to Sodhi, Slower through the air, full and on middle, Sodhi gets forward and offers a straight bat in defense. |
| Ish Sodhi has been adjudged lbw! He immediately reviews. Looks quite adjacent but is there any bat? |
| 50.6 : H Sohail to Sodhi, OUT! What a decision! Sodhi has to depart. New Zealand are now seven down and are in danger to get bowled out under 150. A flighted delivery landing full around leg. It straightens a touch after hitting the deck as Sodhi tries to defend it near his front pad. As soon has the connection is made, Pakistan go up in a huge extended appeal for an lbw. They think it's pad first and the umpire after thinking for a while raises his finger. Ish, however, feels that he has middled |
| Neil Wagner is in next. |
| 51.1 : H Ali to Watling, Good length ball on off stump, Watling defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 51.2 : H Ali to Watling, Surprise bouncer there! Short and aimed at the head, Watling ducks under it and lets it go. |
| 51.3 : H Ali to Watling, Length ball outside off, Watling wants to punch it through the off side but gets the inside half of the bat and the ball rolls to mid on. |
| 51.4 : H Ali to Watling, Full and slightly moves in after landing, Watling plays it to mid on with a straight bat. |
| 51.5 : H Ali to Watling, Second bouncer of the over, Watling ducks under it safely. |
| 51.6 : H Ali to Watling, Short of a length and on off stump, Watling goes back in the crease and defends it. |
| 52.1 : H Sohail to Wagner, Over the wicker to Wagner, good ball turning into the batsman, Wagner defends on the back foot. |
| 52.2 : H Sohail to Wagner, Fuller this time outside off, Wagner prods ahead and defends. |
| 52.3 : H Sohail to Wagner, Shorter and outside off, Wagner punches it square on the off side for a couple. |
| 52.4 : H Sohail to Wagner, Flatter and quicker this time on off, Wagner goes back and defends it with a straight bat. |
| 52.5 : H Sohail to Wagner, WOAH! Lots of spin on this one, starts outside off and ends way down the leg side. Wagner wants to flick it but the turn beats him completely. Good take by Sarfraz down the leg side. |
| 52.6 : H Sohail to Wagner, Things are happening here! This ball pitches way outside off stump line and rips in. Takes the inside edge and onto the pads of Wagner who was playing a defensive shot on the back foot. Would've been a gonner if not for the edge. On a hindsight it looks like the impact was outside off as well and a bit high too. |
| 53.1 : H Ali to Watling, Good length delivery on off, shaping back in, Watling stays back and defends it in the direction of the bowler. |
| 53.2 : H Ali to Watling, Angling into the batsman, on middle and off, BJ covers the line and blocks it with a straight bat towards mid on. |
| 53.3 : H Ali to Watling, Goes for the yorker this time but ends up serving a half-volley on off, Watling does well to work it wide of mid on for a couple of runs. Reverse swing is happening and Hasan is getting it in abundance. |
| 53.4 : H Ali to Watling, On a length around off, defended off the back foot to the off side. |
| 53.5 : H Ali to Watling, Pitches it up and outside off, it's driven off the front foot through extra cover. The mid off fielder moves across to his left to stop the ball and they collect a run. |
| 53.6 : H Ali to Wagner, Switched to 'round the wicket and lands it on a length outside off, Wagner defends it soundly to the off side. |
| BJ Watling has been given out leg before. The DRS has been taken. No choice, he has to take it upstairs. Height is the only thing that can save him. |
| 54.1 : H Sohail to Watling, OUT! What a ripper! This ball lands on leg stump and turns a mile to beat the bat of Watling who was on the back foot trying to defend this one onto the leg side. Watling will have to go. There are three reds on the Ball Tracker. And the on-field decision remains. The last recognized batsman departs and New Zealand are in all sorts of trouble now. |
| 0.0 : Debutant Ajaz Patel is in next. |
| 54.2 : H Sohail to Patel, Another huge appeal! The impact is surely outside off on this one. The ball pitches outside off and comes in a long way to hit Ajaz on the pads. But he had come a long way ahead and the impact is outside off. |
| 54.3 : H Sohail to A Patel, Fuller and outside off, Ajaz pushes it through the covers for a single. |
| 54.4 : H Sohail to Wagner, Flatter and quicker on off this time, Wagner goes back and defends. |
| 54.5 : H Sohail to Wagner, Flighted on off, Wagner comes well ahead to play this with a straight bat. |
| 54.6 : H Sohail to Wagner, Quicker and full this time, Wagner plays the back foot punch to the off side at the last moment and doesn't connect well. No run to end yet another successful over for New Zealand. |
| 55.1 : H Ali to Patel, What a jaffa! Too good for a no.10 batsman. Lands on off stump and moves away after landing. Misses the outside edge by a whisker. |
| 55.2 : H Ali to Patel, On a length outside off, Ajaz covers the swing this time and defends it on the back foot. |
| 55.3 : Ali to Patel, Fuller and on off, Ajaz plays it with a straight bat. |
| 55.4 : H Ali to Patel, Overpitched outside off, Ajaz mistimes his drive towards cover. The batsmen run through for a quick single. |
| 55.5 : H Ali to Wagner, Short of a good length and above the off pole, Wagner defends it off the back foot. |
| 55.6 : H Ali to Wagner, Another good ball, this one is slightly fuller of a good length and Wagner is defending it but the ball moves slightly to miss the edge. |
| 56.1 : H Sohail to Patel, Full and flighted outside off, Ajaz looks to play the drive but gets the inside edge on the bottom part of the bat. It goes on to hit the keeper's pads. |
| 56.2 : H Sohail to Patel, Flighted and lots of turn after landing outside off. It comes in to hit the batsman's pad and the ball lobs away to the off side. |
| 56.3 : H Sohail to Patel, Flatter delivery outside off, turns into Patel who tries to flick it away on the leg side. |
| 56.4 : H Sohail to Patel, Full and outside off, the batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 56.5 : H Sohail to Patel, Again full and outside off, Ajaz comes well ahead and defends it into the ground. |
| 56.6 : H Sohail to Patel, Almost the same as the previous ball, Ajaz comes forward and plays the defense with the full face of the bat. |
| 57.1 : H Ali to Wagner, Good length ball on off, angling in, Wagner defends it off his back foot. |
| 57.2 : H Ali to N Wagner, Edgy! Lands it on a length and outside off, holding its line, Wagner tries turning it on the leg side but it takes the outside half of his willow and runs wide of backward point for a brace. |
| 57.3 : H Ali to Wagner, In the air...in the air... safe! Ali digs in a short delivery from 'round the wicket, well-directed, Wagner takes his eyes off the ball as he attempts to wheel a pull shot. It takes the top edge of the bat and flies wide of the keeper for a couple again. |
| 57.4 : H Ali to Wagner, Gets behind the line of the delivery and blocks it safely. |
| 57.5 : H Ali to Wagner, Full and outside off, driven off the front foot to covers. |
| 57.6 : H Ali to Wagner, DROPPED! Yasir was placed there for that particular reason and he has spilled it. Sarfraz cannot believe it. A short delivery again, Wagner takes on the challenge to pull but fails to middle his shot. Yasir is standing a few paces ahead of the rope in the deep square leg region but fails to grab a simple catch. A run for Wagner and he lives to fight another day. |
| 58.1 : H Sohail to Wagner, Flighted outside off, turns in. Ajaz defends it well off the back foot onto the vacant leg side for a single. |
| 58.2 : H Sohail to Patel, Flatter and quicker on off stump, Ajaz defends on the back foot. |
| 58.3 : H Sohail to Patel, Outside off and turns in a long way, Patel comes ahead and defends, but gets an inside edge that falls far away from short leg. |
| 58.4 : H Sohail to Patel, Full and outside off, driven by Patel through the covers for another run. |
| 58.5 : H Sohail to Wagner, Flatter delivery this time, the batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 58.6 : H Sohail to Wagner, Fuller and flighted outside off, Wagner prods ahead and defends it. |
| Bilal Asif back into the attack. |
| 59.1 : B Asif to Patel, Looped up outside off, Ajaz tries to drive but gets the outside edge onto the off side. |
| 59.2 : B Asif to Patel, Wide outside off and turning even more away, Ajaz lets it go. |
| 59.3 : B Asif to Patel, Fuller in length and Patel comes ahead to smother the spin. |
| 59.4 : B Asif to Patel, Flighted outside off, kept out on the front foot. |
| 59.5 : B Asif to Patel, Arm ball this time, angling on the pads. Ajaz misses the flick and gets hit on the pad. |
| 59.6 : B Asif to Patel, Full and on the pads this time, Ajaz flicks it down to fine leg for three runs. |
| 60.1 : H Sohail to Patel, Full and loopy outside off, Ajaz comes ahead and defends. |
| 60.2 : H Sohail to Patel, Similar ball and similar shot played again. |
| 60.3 : H Sohail to Patel, A tad fuller this time, Ajaz drives to mid off. |
| 60.4 : H Sohail to Patel, Full ball outside off again, Ajaz comes ahead and dead bats it. |
| 60.5 : H Sohail to Patel, Around the wicket, flighted and on middle, Ajaz gets his bat ahead to defend it. |
| 60.6 : H Sohail to Patel, Flatter and quicker on the pads this time, Ajaz flicks it to short leg. |
| 61.1 : B Asif to Wagner, Looped up and turning away outside off, Wagner stays back and punches it to cover. |
| 61.2 : B Asif to Wagner, BEATEN BY THE SPIN! Full and flighted outside off, Wagner is drawn ahead for the defensive shot but the ball turns away and misses the outside edge. |
| 61.3 : B Asif to Wagner, Flatter delivery this time outside off, punched to cover point and a quick run taken. |
| 61.4 : B Asif to Patel, Way outside off and full, Ajaz lets it go through. |
| 61.5 : B Asif to Patel, Again left alone by the batsman as the ball was way outside off. |
| 61.6 : B Asif to Patel, Shoulders his arms for the third delivery in a row outside off. |
| Yasir Shah returns in the attack. |
| 62.1 : Y Shah to Wagner, Around the wicket, the ball lands outside off and turns in, Wagner defends on the back foot. |
| 62.2 : Y Shah to Wagner, Shorter this time and enough time for Wagner to pull it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 62.3 : Y Shah to Patel, Quicker ball at the pads, flicked away to square leg. Ajaz thinks about the single but decides against it in the end. |
| 62.4 : Y Shah to Patel, Well outside off and turns in, Ajaz goes back in his crease and defends with a straight bat. |
| 62.5 : Y Shah to Patel, Flighted on middle, Patel flicks the ball onto the leg side but straight to the fielder. |
| 62.6 : Y Shah to Patel, Flatter ball, defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 63.1 : B Asif to Wagner, Shorter and quicker outside off, Wagner pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 63.2 : B Asif to Wagner, Beaten again! Draws Wagner ahead and beats his outside edge with the turn. Unlucky not to get the edge. |
| 63.3 : B Asif to Wagner, OUCH! The ball is short and outside off, Wagner goes back and cuts it. It hits the silly point fielder on his knee as he tries to move away. Must've hurt but he's okay to continue, without any treatment. Just rubs his knee and good to go. |
| 63.4 : B Asif to Wagner, Shorter in length again, Wagner plays it to the point fielder off his back foot. |
| 63.5 : B Asif to Wagner, Flatter and quicker on off, Wagner goes back and punches it back towards mid off. |
| 63.6 : B Asif to Wagner, Good ball! The ball is flighted and turns again, the batsman comes ahead to play at it but is beaten by the spin on the ball. |
| 64.1 : Y Shah to Patel, Tossed up ball on off, turning back in, Ajaz defends it off his front foot. |
| 64.2 : Y Shah to Patel, Flatter and on off, defended off the back foot. |
| 64.3 : Y Shah to Patel, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 64.4 : Y Shah to Patel, Floated full ball on off, Patel lunges in defense. |
| 64.5 : Y Shah to Patel, Shout for an lbw, not given! A leg spinner landing outside off and turning back in sharply. Patel fails to defend and is hit on the pads. Turning too much, feels the umpire. |
| 64.6 : Y Shah to Patel, Presses forward to a full ball and defends it again to end the over. |
| 65.1 : B Asif to N Wagner, OUT! Caught by Asad Shafiq at slip. New Zealand lose their ninth wicket! Looped up outside off and this was always coming. Had been beating the outside edge consistently over the past two or three overs. Deserved the wicket and gets it finally. Wagner wants to prod ahead and defend but takes the edge for an easy catch at slip. |
| 0.0 : Trent Boult is the last batsman for New Zealand. Should have been Tea now, but since just one wicket is remaining, the session has been extended by 30 minutes. |
| 65.2 : B Asif to Boult, Full and outside off, Boult comes ahead and defends. |
| 65.3 : B Asif to Boult, Full and outside off again, Boult smothers the spin by coming ahead. |
| 65.4 : B Asif to Boult, Flatter and turning into the pads, Boult works it down on the leg side. |
| 65.5 : B Asif to Boult, FOUR! Flighted outside off and Boult comes down the track and hits it over the bowler's head for four runs. |
| 65.6 : B Asif to Boult, Flatter and quicker at the pads, Boult plays it towards square leg. |
| 66.1 : Y Shah to Patel, Outside off and turning in, Ajaz defends it toward mid-wicket. |
| 66.2 : Y Shah to Patel, Outside off and the ball turns in again, Ajaz plays it down the ground on the leg side. |
| 66.3 : Y Shah to Patel, OUT! What a bizarre end to the innings that promised a lot when the Kiwi captain and Nicholls were batting before the lunch break. It has come to an immature end as they have lost 7 wickets in this session. Coming to the ball, Yasir had changed his angle to over the wicket for this delivery, lands it on middle. Ajaz shoulders his arms playing for the turn but the ball holds its line and hits him on his pads bang on middle. Umpire has no hesitation in raising his finger. Ne |
| Fantastic work by Pakistan! This isn't what they would've expected after Williamson won the toss and decided to bat. They would've been looking towards a long toiling day on the field (given the track looked a batting beauty) but the New Zealand innings just capitulated in the post-Lunch session. Once their skipper departed after a well-made 63, the Pakistani spinners just raced through the lower middle order. Disappointing that innings didn't even last for 70 overs. |
| There were no significant partnerships barring one between Williamson and Nicholls which provided some resistance. Once Nicholls and the skipper departed, no one else could hold the fort and New Zealand were bowled out for the lowest first innings total in Abu Dhabi. As for the Pakistani bowlers, Yasir Shah was the pick of them with three wickets, 3 others picking a brace and Bilal getting one of his own. Tea was pushed ahead and now has been taken at the fall of the last wicket of the first inn |
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