PAK vs NZ: Five penalty runs awarded to Kiwis after ball hits helmet

The New Zealand team was awarded five extra runs during the ongoing first Test against Pakistan at the National Stadium in Karachi after the ball hit the helmet that was placed behind the wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed. 

The incident happened in Nauman Ali’s 52nd over when the spinner pitched the ball outside the leg stump and Sarfaraz failed to collect it. Former Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson chose not to play it as the ball went on to hit the lid as umpire Aleem Dar awarded five runs to the Kiwis following the incident.

Former New Zealand international Simon Doull, who was on air when the incident happened made a cheeky comment about the same and mentioned whether the match needeD to stop for a concussion protocol.

"We have to stop for a concussion protocol?" 🤔

Five penalty runs to New Zealand after the ball hits the helmet 🪖#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/JtFelmUgal

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 29, 2022

Unstoppable Kane Williamson troubles Pakistan on Day 4

A flat pitch at Karachi brought the best out of Kane Williamson as the 32-year-old seemed unstoppable on Day 4. The former Test skipper scored a brilliant double century and helped his side take a sizeable lead. Spinner Abrar Ahmed finished with a five-wicket haul while Nauman Ali picked up three wickets. Mohammad Wasim Jr. picked up one wicket. 

Pakistan finished at 77 for the loss of two wickets at stumps on Day 4. They have lost Abdullah Shafique and Shan Massod already and still trail by 97 runs. The positive sign for the hosts is that they still have Imam-ul-Haq batting for them in the middle, unbeaten on 45 runs off 83 balls. He has night watchman Nauman Ali for company.

Pakistan's batting line-up will be tested on Day 5. Although the wicket at the National Stadium in Karachi has not deteriorated much but the Kiwis will look to add as much pressure as possible on the hosts.