New Zealand set a target of 274 for Pakistan to chase down
The fourth day of the second Test match came down as a surprise for Pakistan in the ending moments, as they bowled New Zealand all out with 274 runs to chase. Pakistan did not show intent earlier on, allowing the Kiwis to slash
the visitors hard. Slow over-rate and below-par fielding did not contribute to the tourists cause in a commendable manner. Hence, New Zealand went on to make an impressive start to the fourth day, yet the end was not as expected. Brendon McCullum struck http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755
hard, through a composed innings of 64 runs off 111 balls.
His opening partner, Martin Guptill was the pick of the batsmen for the host’s, scoring 73 runs upfront and denting Pakistan’s cause. He managed to steer his innings in a planned manner, opting for different approaches at different
times. However, the New Zealand team was soon standing at 208 for the loss of 5 wickets. Despite Ross http://www.senore.com/Cricket/A-Swift-c41334 innings, the Kiwis still wrapped up with just 293 runs on the scoreboard.
Team Pakistan will hope to chase down the score on the fifth day of the second test, leading the score 2-0, and in effect bagging the series. However, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 is expected to come out hard at the tourists, making things difficult
for them. Moreover, it is not to be forgotten that unpredictable Pakistan side is chasing down a moderate target with 90 overs to bat and they are equally capable of defeating the best and losing to the worst sides. Though the visitors look a different side
this time, sub-siding the Kiwis in the first test at Hamilton on the third morning, and responding well here in the first innings. They will try to win the match today, but if that is not possible, their second option will be to draw the match to secure the
series 1-0.
As for the Kiwis, this is a must-win game if they want to tie the series and stop Pakistan from defeating them. If they lose, then the losing streak will continue from where they left in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750. Hence, the nerves of both the sides
will be tested tomorrow. Although New Zealand has an edge, but that is marginal and if Pakistan retaliate in the same fashion as they did in the first innings, then they might be able to win the series 2-0.
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