PAK vs NZ: Unique records unfold on Day 1 of Karachi Test

For the first time in the history of Men’s Test cricket, the first two dismissals of a match were result of stumpings. New Zealand captain Tim Southee introduced Ajaz Patel in the fourth over of the match and it quickly paid dividends as the spinner bamboozled opener Abdullah Shafique to dismiss him on seven. 

Later on, Shan Masood (three off ten deliveries) faced a similar consequence when Michael Bracewell left the southpaw gobsmacked with an absolute jaffa. Tom Blundell, behind the stumps, had no problem whatsoever collecting the ball and dismissing the 33-year-old.

With that, history was made in Karachi. Overall, this is for the second time when something similar happened in Test cricket. The first of which happened in a Women's Test between Australia and the West Indies in Jamaica in 1976. Marie Cornish in the match picked up four wickets which includes three stumpings of Louise Browne, Jasmine Sammy and Gloria Gill.

Babar Azam revives Pakistan after a shaky start

After opting to bat first, Pakistan faced the wrath of Kiwi bowlers as they lost four quick wickets in the first Test at Karachi. However, Babar Azam once again stepped up to provide some stability in the middle. Mohammad Rizwan, who was dropped from the first Test was replaced by the veteran Sarfaraz Ahmed, and the latter is currently playing a role of a second fiddle to Babar.

This innings and the Test series can eventually prove to be a very important one for the Pakistan skipper. After a disastrous performance against England, Babar Azam was a target of the critics as a lot of former cricketers wanted him to step down. However, the new interim chief selector, Shahid Afridi has shown enough faith in him and also termed him as the ‘backbone’ of the side.

Nevertheless, if Pakistan’s performance doesn’t improve, one can not say with surety if Babar Azam can keep his position as the leader of the side. Especially, when there’s a chance that the new management may appoint a new selection committee sooner than later and they may eventually decide Babar's fate.