New Zealand has taken the opportunity to grab the game by the scruff of the neck. They focused on preserving their wickets early on. And it was only towards the end that they showed any sort of positive intent.
126 runs were ultimately scored in the 32.5 overs bowled in the final session, with New Zealand losing just one wicket but picking up two in their three overs. They are in a position where they should win this game. Pakistan will try to slow down the game because they know they have a mountain to climb.
After tea, Tom Blundell and Michael Bracewell came out looking cautious and gradually put up a 127-run partnership in 190 balls. The former left the field on 74 with the intention of increasing the scoring rate while Agha Salman also added a wicket to his resume. However, Michael Bracewell kept up the assault. and was still undefeated at 74 when Tim Southee made the decision to declare and give Pakistan a target of 319.
What a brilliant choice that turned out to be. They only had three overs to go on the Pakistan openers. But the skipper took the initiative and dismissed Abdullah Shafique in the first over. On the final ball of the day, Ish Sodhi dismissed the night watchman Mir Hamza to make things better.
Right from the start of the day,
Due to losing their final wicket of the first inning in the first over alone and giving up a 41-run lead. Pakistan has been chasing the game. Devon Conway was caught for a golden duck by Mir Hamza. But Kane Williamson and Tom Latham added 109 runs together to calm the ship. Henry Nicholls too did not last long as he was taken out by Hasan Ali. After falling to the bowling of Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed. Tom Blundell and Michael Bracewell, on the other hand crushed Pakistan’s chances of winning this match. Although, now firmly in control of their opponents.
Pakistan did manage to create some chances but they were really poor in the field as they dropped a few catches. Sarfaraz Ahmed was the main culprit as he put down a couple behind the wicket. And also missed a simple stumping opportunity. Will the hosts be able to save this match and play for a draw? Will they be able to bat out of their skins and steal a win? Or will New Zealand press home their advantage on the final day?
