Pak make 235 for four in reply to New Zealand’s 275 on Day 2 of first Test
By ANISaturday, January 8, 2011
HAMILTON - Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq’s unbeaten 128-run partnership helped the visiting team reach 235 for four on the second day of the first Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Saturday.
Responding to New Zealand’s first innings of 275, Pakistan adopted a slow and deliberate method in the afternoon session as they tried to wear down New Zealand’s pace attack, which had done an admirable job by giving the tourists very little in hot conditions and on the flattest of wickets, Stuff.co.nz reported.
The hosts even managed to get their noses ahead for the first time in the match when Pakistan were reduced to 107 for four in the middle session, but Misbah-Shafiq’s unbeaten fifth-wicket stand did enough for the visitors to edge ahead after two days in what is shaping as a war of attrition, it added.
Shafiq ended the day on 74, his highest Test score, while Misbah was on 50 not out.
Pace bowlers Chris Martin and Brent Arnel produced top post-lunch spells in testing conditions as New Zealand claimed three wickets for just 69 runs in the session. Martin, with two for 67, and Arnel, with two for 53 were well supported by Tim Southee, who bowled well without luck.
Earlier this morning, Pakistan took just 47 balls to finish off the New Zealand innings, which resumed at 260 for seven, but lost their last three wickets for just 15 runs to end a disappointing batting performance.
Taking two wickets today, pace bowler Tanvir Ahmed finished with innings-best figures of four for 63 from 18.5 overs, while left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman did not get a chance to add to his overnight haul of three for 51 from 30 overs. (ANI)
