Pakistan ended day two of the first test against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton, trailing the hosts by just 40 runs with 6 wickets in hand. At close of play, Test captain, Misbah-ul- Haq and youngster, Asad Shafiq were at the crease and had put on
a good stand for the 5th wicket.
The day began with New Zealand resuming at 260 for the loss of 7 wickets, but Pakistani bowlers did not waste much time in cleaning up the New Zealand tail. The home team added just 15 more runs for the last 3 wickets. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 were all out for 275 runs
with Tim Southee and Brendon McCullum as the highest scorers with 56 runs each.
A target of 275 on a batting track is not something that Pakistan could have complained about. However, despite the batting friendly track, Pakistan's recent form had the potential of being quite a bit of a problem. Pakistan’s worst fears may have started
to come true when Muhammad Hafeez edged one outside the off stump in the first over and was caught brilliantly in the slips by Tim McIntosh, off the bowling of Chris Martin for naught.
But the next man in, Azhar Ali, and the other opener, Taufeeq Umar, put on a good 2nd wicket stand and gave some stability to the Pakistani innings. Taufeeq was, in particular, severe on all deliveries near his feet. The left hander looked to
be in an aggressive frame of mind and battered Chris Martin with 3 boundaries in one over.
Azhar Ali, on the other end, was more circumspect and seemed set to let anything outside the off stump go by. The pair added 72 runs for the 2nd wicket. Azhar Ali was the next man to go; he was caught by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Reece-Young-c2302 for 24 off the bowling of Martin.
Former test captain, Younis Khan came in to bat at number four, and considering his recent form and lack of runs in the T-20 series, he was under quite some pressure to perform. He started with a determined look and seemed to be settling in for a long innings.
The right hander, though, took his chance on anything that was over-pitched. Younis and Taufeeq added 32 runs before Taufeeq was caught in the covers by Kane Williamson, off the bowling off Brent Arnel, for 54 runs with 11 boundaries.
Younis Khan was dismissed soon after, for just 23 runs. He was caught and bowled by Arnel. Pakistan were in quite some trouble at 107 for 4, with captain, Misbah ul Haq and Asad Shafiq on the crease. The combination of old and young worked well together
and started the rebuilding process. The scoring rate was not that great but the pair made sure that the team did not lose any more wickets.
The pair added 128 runs for the 5th wicket and ended the day unbeaten. Asad Shafiq was not out on 74 from 167 balls with 12 boundaries, while Misbah was unbeaten at exactly 50 from 129 balls, which included 5 fours and a six.
Pakistan trail the Black Caps by 40 runs with 6 wickets in hand. After these two, Adnan Akmal is the only reputed batsman. Misbah and Asad may look to take http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 past the Kiwi score in the first session, and would hope to take a sizeable lead to have
an edge in the game on the 3rd day.
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