Misbah, Shafiq steady ship for Pakistan

Tags: Pakistan Tour of New Zealand - 2010-11, New Zealand v Pakistan 1st Test at Hamilton - Jan 7-11, 2011, New Zealand, Pakistan, Misbah-ul-Haq Khan Niazi, Asad Shafiq

Published on: Jan 08, 2011

Scorecard | Commentary | Graphs

Pakistan are sitting comfortably at 235 for 4 in 80 overs at Stumps on Day 2 after bundling out New Zealand for 275

Pakistan are sitting comfortably at 235 for 4 in 80 overs at Stumps on Day 2 after bundling out New Zealand for 275. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, who is on 50 (from 129 balls) with 5 fours and a six) defied the Kiwis with a crucial unbroken stand of 116 with Asad Shafiq who top scored in the match with an unbeaten 74 (from 167 balls with 12 fours).

Early in the morning, Pakistan wrapped up the Kiwi innings quickly giving away just 15 runs and taking the last three wickets including that of Tim Southee who scored a valuable 56 from 82 balls and Kane Williamson who scored 50 from 125 balls. Newcomer Tanvir Ahmed finished with figures of 4 for 63. Pakistan by lunch although losing a wicket in the very first over were positive to score their runs quickly. However, things changed after the three quick wickets of Azhar Ali (24), Taufeeq Umar (54 from 104 balls with 11 fours) and former Skipper Younus Khan (23).

Chris Martin and Brent Arnel took a couple of wickets each to have Pakistan at 107 for 4 before the hosts got grinded by the pair of Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq. New Zealand's Captain - Daniel Vettori struggled on the field because of an illness but he still bowled 22 overs conceding only 29 runs.

- BV Swagath

Related News