Pakistan take 62-run lead vs NZ in 2nd Test

Azhar was on 19 while Babar was 23 not out in Pakistan’s second innings as they frustrated New Zealand’s bowlers after Colin de Grandhomme had Sami Aslam caught behind for seven shortly after lunch at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

New Zealand’s other debutant, Colin de Grandhomme, had also been in the selectors’ sights for years.

Pakistan’s long record of success in test series in New Zealand was under threat Sunday as the hosts moved within 47 runs of victory in the first test match by lunch on the fourth day.

Pakistan have never been defeated by New Zealand in a Test series since 1985, and with a 1-0 lead, this is New Zealand’s best chance to alter that in Hamilton.

Overnight batsmen Jeet Raval and Henry Nicholls were gone in the first four overs with Raval unable to add to his overnight 55 and Nicholls adding only one run to be gone for 30.

“You usually don’t see in Australia, New Zealand or England a pitch that supports the seamers so much”. Though the appeal wasn’t spontaneous, there was a sound as the ball passed the bat, but New Zealand couldn’t refer the decision because they had no reviews left.

Test Captain Misbah-ul-Haq is returning to Pakistan from New Zealand due to the death of his father-in-law, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Sunday.

A low-scoring Test appeared evenly-balanced when Pakistan crawled to 50-1 at tea but two key wickets claimed by a fired-up Wagner (2-21) swung momentum.

In reply, Tom Latham (9) fell early to Mohammad Amir before Williamson and debutant Jeet Raval (36 not out) put on a second wicket partnership of 85 to steer the home side towards their victory target.

De Grandhomme bowls right arm medium pace well below the speed of New Zealand’s new ball pair of Tim Southee and Trent Boult, but thrived thanks to the precision of his line and an ability to use his height to create unexpected bounce. With the first innings having ended only just before tea on day three, the match appeared to be heading to a fifth day – even a draw on the cards, perhaps. We’ve got to enjoy the last three days which have been an incredibly good performance.