Hamilton Test: http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shafiq-c89281 put Pakistan in command
Captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq put a brilliant batting performance and steered Pakistan to a commanding position against New Zealand on day two of the first Test match in Hamilton.
The visitors replicated the opening day’s performance and continued to dominate the Kiwis on the second day at Seddon Park.
The final session of play completely belonged to the greens as they did not lose a single wicket and amassed 99 runs which put http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 were stumbling on a score
of 107 for the loss of 4 wickets.
The pair shared an unbeaten 128-run stand and in doing so, have eased the burden on the inexperienced lower-order of Pakistan. By virtue of their stabilising partnership, they have steered Pakistan to a decent score of 235 runs for the loss of 4 wickets.
Asad Shafiq, who is only playing his second Test match, displayed his potential under pressure. The talented youngster found the boundaries with utmost ease. His footwork against the spinners was phenomenal, while he showed great technique and temperament
against the seam bowlers. His leg-side flicks and on-drives were a delight to watch.
Moreover, Asad posted the second consecutive half century of his career. The right-handed batsmen remained unbeaten on 74 runs and in his magnificent knock, collected 12 scintillating boundaries.
Misbah-ul-Haq led from the front and remained unbeaten for his 50-run knock, smashing five boundaries and a towering six. The Pakistan captain played a sheet anchor’s role and provided valuable support to his junior partner.
It was hard work for the New Zealand bowlers as the track was not offering much assistance and conditions for batting were favourable. Adding to the worries of the Kiwi bowlers, there was no swing with the new Kookaburra as the sun came out burning.
New Zealand finished the third session wicket less. The seam bowlers and spinners had to toil hard in the heat of Hamilton. On a flat pitch, bowlers found it difficult to dislodge the Pakistani batsmen.
Earlier, the hosts piled up 275 runs in their first innings. It is a modest total considering the nature of the pitch. Four of the Kiwi batsmen posted half-centuries, but none of them was able to record a three-figure score.
The highlight of the home team’s display in their first outing was the resilient partnership between Tim Southee and Kane Williamson. The pair came into bat with their team stuttering at 177-7 and added 84 runs for the eighth wicket in order to revive the
New Zealand innings.
For Pakistan, Tanvir Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers as he bowled brilliantly with the red cherry. In trying conditions for the bowlers, Tanvir was able to extract some movement in the air and consistently bowled on a corridor of uncertainty. His immaculate
bowling earned him healthy dividends as he picked up 4 wickets for 63 runs in 19 incisive overs.
Abdur Rehman provided his partner with a valuable support with the ball. He troubled the Kiwi batsmen with variations and resultantly, took 3 wickets for 51 runs in a marathon 30-over spell.
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