Twitter Reactions: Faheem Ashraf turns messiah for Pakistan as they manage to avoid follow-on

For the hosts, Kyle Jamieson was the pick of the bowlers.

By R Sai Siddhharth

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Faheem Ashraf
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Faheem Ashraf. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

The New Zealand bowlers ripped through the Pakistan batting line up as the visitors were bowled out for 239 at the end of Day 3 of the first Test at the Bay Oval. Pakistan have their backs against the wall now, as the kiwis lead by 192 runs. The visitors’ top order crumbled like a pack of cards under some fiery bowling from the New Zealand pacers. Abid Ali’s dogged resistance came to an end in the 13th over of the day. Kyle Jamieson’s delivery pitched just outside off stump, came in sharply, and knocked over Ali’s stumps. The opener departed for a 104 ball 25.

Nightwatchman Mohammad Abbas was the next man to depart. He had frustrated the Kiwis and consumed 55 deliveries, but his knock came to an end when he edged Trent Boult to Ross Taylor at slip. And with that grab, Taylor became the second New Zealand cricketer to complete 150 catches in Tests.

Azhar Ali was the next batsman to walk back to the pavilion. The right-hander nudged at a delivery from Tim Southee that swung away, the ball took a faint edge, and keeper Watling completed the formalities. The last batsman to depart in the Pre-Lunch session was Haris Sohail. The left-hander went for the drive, the ball took the outside edge and settled into the waiting hands of Henry Nicholls at gully to give Southee his second wicket.

The defiant stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf

Fawad Alam lasted for 42 deliveries to score 9 runs, but a sharp bouncer from Neil Wagner brought his innings to an end as he edged a bouncer into the hands of the keeper. But, a defiant stand of 107 runs between Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf gave Pakistan something to smile about. The duo was positive in their intent, did not hold themselves back, and took the attack to the opposition. There was a flurry of boundaries scored in the final session of the day by both the willow wielders.

But then, just when it looked as if the duo would kick on to keep New Zealand at bay, a brilliant piece of fielding from Mitchell Santner ended Rizwan’s stubborn knock of 71. The Pakistan skipper charged back for the second run, but Santner’s throw from mid-wicket resulted in a direct hit and caught Rizwan inches short of his ground. Yasir Shah then had his stumps cleaned up by a Trent Boult special.

Faheem continued his aggressive approach and pummeled the Kiwi bowlers all around the park. The left-hander smashed his career-best score of 91 and his counterattacking innings allowed Pakistan to successfully avoid the follow on.

For the hosts, Kyle Jamieson was the pick of the bowlers. The right-arm pacer bowled probing lengths throughout the day to finish with impressive figures of 3/35. However, in spite of the heroics from Faheem and Rizwan, Pakistan still have a huge mountain to climb heading into Day 4.

Here are the best tweets

https://twitter.com/mrcricfreak/status/1343445948073054209?s=20

 

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