Babar Azam’s ninth Test Century and Sarfaraz Ahmed’s unbeaten 43 win streak of 114 by five wickets saw New Zealand take the wicket lead in the opening match of a two-game Test series in Karachi on Monday (26 December). Not endured an afternoon session.
In his second from last over before lunch, Saud turned the table over for the visitors when his Shakir got off to a solid start and in the session he added 109 runs to give Pakistan his own. 224/4 in a solid position and took a break.
The pitch only improved with more time in the sun, unlike sharp turns and jumps in the morning that saw him lose four wickets in Pakistan’s very aggressive approach. Babar and Sarfaraz bring that experience to New Zealand. A direct hit could have ended Babar’s stay prematurely in the first over after lunch, but the Pakistani skipper didn’t allow too many chances. He took the initiative in the fifth wicket partnership, playing shots around the ground to dominate the New Zealand attack.
The only other chance the visitors thought they had was when they broke into the celebration as Sarfaraz were held back by Tim Southee. Convinced and confirmed that Edge dodged the racket and instead graze the back of the thigh pad, he was 26 at the time and a perfect second for the captain.
After spending a few overs at 97, Babar pumped hundreds in style while brandishing a lavishly thrown delivery from Michael his Bracewell deep mid-wicket over his ropes. He hit his 200 for Pakistan on his one ball next and off spinner back he lifted both upcoming milestones in his 100 partnership with his second on his two-back limit. I was. Sarfaraz, meanwhile, was looking to score a 40s on a beautifully timed cover drive just before the tee and a 50s on his comeback in the first test at home.
Short score:
Pakistan 224/4 (Babar Azam 119, Sarfaraz Ahmed 43; Michael Bracewell 2-52) vs. New Zealand