New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2nd Test, Day 3: 5 Talking Points

Having gained the control in the game at the end of day 2, New Zealand went into day 3, the moving day of the Test match against Pakistan. They had the visitors reeling at 76/5 before the start of the play. The onus was on the bowlers to dismiss the innings quickly and hand the team a sizeable lead.

It didn’t quite go according to the plan for the home side early in the day as the overnight batsmen Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed began well. A drop catch of Sarfaraz by Henry Nicholls made the matters worse as the batsman went on the attack after that. Pakistan looked like making strides back in the game with the initial partnership and a fighting knock by Azam.

But the Kiwi bowlers made a stunning comeback led by Tim Southee. He ended up with six wickets and was well supported by Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme as the last 4 wickets fell for just 24 runs. Pakistan was bowled out for 216 runs and New Zealand bagged a handy lead of 55 runs in the low scoring encounter.

Here are the 5 major talking points from the day’s play:

1. A gritty partnership at the start

Pakistan had lost half the side in just the 22nd over on day 2 and seemed like going down yet again like the 1st Test. But Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed led the comeback under tough batting conditions. Where Azam was intent on occupying the crease and scored a fifty, Sarfaraz went about in his natural way of offense. Sarfaraz scored 41 runs off 44 balls before holding out to Wagner but not before adding 74 runs for the 6th wicket. The duo had given their side an opportunity to get closer the Kiwi’s total.

2. Azam impressed once more

The 22-year-old right-handed batsman had a wonderful start to his ODI career and now he is showcasing his abilities in the longest format of the game too. Playing just his 3rd Test, he played a fighting knock of 90 runs off 196 balls and remained unbeaten until the end. There was certainly a century in store for him but he kept running out of partners at the other end and was denied a well-deserved ton. Nevertheless, the innings will give great hopes to Pakistan who witnessed a certain prospect in the Test arena in Babar Azam.

3. A demolition caused by Southee

The pacer had picked up 3 wickets on day 2 and was handed over the responsibility with the ball at the start of day 3. Although a counter attack from Sarfaraz meant Southee went for 32 runs in his first 3 overs and was eventually taken off from the attack. But the right-hander made a stunning comeback in the second spell and dismissed Sohail Khan, Mohammad Amir and Imran Khan in quick succession to wrap up the innings. He finished with figures of 80/6 in 21 overs and put his side in the advantage.

4. Intermittent rains halted the progress

The first day of the Test was hugely influenced by rain as only 21 overs were bowled in the day. The day 3 also saw the game intervened by the rain gods on multiple occasions. Players were forced to have a slightly early lunch due to rain interruption but fortunately, it subsided soon to allow the second session to commence on time. But after just 6 balls were bowled, it returned, this time, the game was halted for over 2 hours. And to make a final appearance in the day, the rain allowed only 1 ball to be bowled in the Kiwi innings and stumps had to be called.

5. A whitewash on the cards

Having won the first Test at Christchurch, New Zealand is in a great position at the end of day 3 to clinch the second Test too and inflict a clean sweep in the 2-Test series. They have a lead of 55 runs and on day 4, they would look to extend it past 300 which would put them into a potentially winning position as the average score in the 4th innings at Hamilton is 162. Going by Pakistan’s batting performances in the series so far, it would be tough for them to chase anything over 200 batting last. If only, the rain allows significant time in the field, we would be headed towards a result in the match.