PAK vs NZ: Saud Shakeel's defiant century thwarts Kiwi's comeback

New Zealand had a tremendous outing in the first innings as even their tailenders- Matt Henry and Ajaz Patel contributed well with the bat. They shared a 104-run stand for the last wicket, with Henry even hitting a half-century, which helped the visitors finish their innings at 449/10. Before the end of the second day’s play, Pakistan managed to score 154 runs while losing three wickets.

Both teams had a lot of work to do on the third day, as the game had been moving on a balanced track. Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel started the proceedings for Pakistan, and Henry took charge with the ball to begin the day. The duo started off well, and Imam inched closer to a century but skipper Tim Southee got New Zealand the first breakthrough for the day and dismissed him.

Shakeel, who took 42 deliveries to get off the mark on the previous day, showcased brilliant composure with the bat. He was then joined by former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed as the duo stitched up a crucial 150-run stand for the fifth wicket. The two batted together for more than 40 overs and kept sending the ball towards the fence at regular intervals, so as to keep the scoreboard ticking.

As the two built the innings up, Shakeel bagged his maiden Test century. It took him 240 deliveries to reach the three-figure mark, but the Kiwi bowlers could not stop the Pakistani batter from achieving the milestone. Ahmed, on the other hand, was quick in scoring runs just like in the previous Tests, and quickly got to a half-century before being dismissed after Shakeel’s century.

Kiwi spinners strike late as Pakistan end the day on a tensed note

New Zealand bowlers’ struggle to pick wickets continued, as even Agha Salman was quick in finding the rhythm. He played a 78-ball 41-run knock before being dismissed by Ajaz Patel in the final session. The Kiwi spinner kept the celebrations going for the visitors as he sent Hasan Ali packing. Hasan hit a four off Patel’s delivery, but the spinner picked up his wicket on the very next ball.

Pakistan batters played very defensively, on what was a batter-friendly surface. Just when it looked like they were trying to stretch the game, Ish Sodhi struck on consecutive deliveries to dismiss Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza as the game slipped to New Zealand’s side. Saud Shakeel kept the game going from one end, which led to Pakistan closing the day on 407/9. Shakeel and Abrar Ahmed will take the innings forward tomorrow for Pakistan, while New Zealand will be aiming to get started with their second innings and extend the lead.

Here's how Twitter reacted:

Another very well calculated and timely inning by @saudshak for Pakistan👏🏼 Mubarak on the maiden test 💯 brother, many more to come. @SarfarazA_54 and @ImamUlHaq12 have been amazing too with their consistency once again. Shaabash boys! ❤️#PAKvNZ

— Fawad Alam (@iamfawadalam25) January 4, 2023

Many congratulations to @saudshak on bringing up his first of many test century for @TheRealPCB and also to @SarfarazA_54 @ImamUlHaq12 on their brilliant knocks once again 🙌🏼
Keep up with the consistency boys 👍🏼#PAKvNZ

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) January 4, 2023

It’s funny how opponent Tail put 100 runs partnership for the last wicket whereas our team couldn’t even make 10 runs all combined. That’s why I didn’t want them to duck the ball, Because we were one wicket away of collapse. #PakvNZ

— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) January 4, 2023

Said it earlier, lets worry about getting the trail out of the way first!#PAKvNZ #testcricket

— Urooj Mumtaz Khan (@uroojmumtazkhan) January 4, 2023

5 years later and Agha Salman is still so classy and beautiful to watch🔥 #PAKvNZ https://t.co/kn4Om1jvMc

— Haroon (@hazharoon) January 4, 2023

Batted for 50 overs Saud Shakeel scored only 110. This day should be deciding day but Pakistan playing for a draw. On a batting pitch Very negative approach. #PakvsNZ #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/OmVdgvXivi

— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) January 4, 2023

This is why Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman were trying to buy time at the crease, you can't really depend on our tail. #PAKvNZ

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 4, 2023

What's something Babar will never do against no 11?
Answer: #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/WdYEsAdGfX

— Anas. (@Anossid) January 4, 2023

Well played @saudshak a brilliant knock!#PAKvNZL

— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) January 4, 2023

Congratulation @saudshak on ur first 100 well played

— Bilawal bhatti (@007Bilawal) January 4, 2023

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