Sarfaraz Ahmed The New Zealand bowlers toiled hard as they ended the 3rd day with 42 runs ahead with only 1 wicket remaining at National Stadium, Karachi on 4 January 2023.
Starting on the overnight score of 154 for 3, Imam and Saud Shakeel began on a positive note with lovely shots. Southee got the much-needed breakthrough by removing Imam, providing an easy catch to Tom Blundell. Imam and Saud Shakeel added 83 runs for the 3rd wicket. Sarfaraz Ahmed came to the crease putting pressure on the New Zealand bowlers along with Shakeel.
Pakistan went into the lunch break at 224 for 4. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shakeel showed intent to putting pressure on visitors’ bowling. Shakeel completed a half-century off 173 balls. Tim Southee took the second new ball after being available immediately. Sarfaraz kept the pressure on New Zealand bowlers and reached a half-century off 61 balls.
Right before the tea break, Sarfaraz Ahmed was given out by the umpire but on review, it was overturned to not out as there was an inside edge. Mitchell struck in the same over as Tom Blundell produce quick stumping. Sarfaraz Ahmed’s foot was slightly above the line and after so many replays, the third umpire gave out. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel added 150 runs for the 5th wicket. The incident happened in the 100th over.
Here is the brilliant glovework to dismiss Sarfaraz Ahmed:
Shakeel completed his maiden Test century off 240 balls as Salman Agha gave good support. Pakistan ended the 2nd session at 337 for 5. The third session saw Shakeel, and Salman Agha never got going. Ajaz Patel struck as he dismissed Agha with a rebound catch by Bracewell at slips. Shakeel and Agha added 53 runs for the 6th wicket.
Ish Sodhi struck twice in the same over to dismiss Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza to leave Pakistan struggling. Abrar Ahmed remained solid, but Saud ended the third day on an unbeaten 124. Pakistan ended the 3rd day at 407 for 9.
Ajaz Patel took 3 wickets while Ish Sodhi grabbed 2, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, and Daryl Mitchell grabbed 1 wicket each. Babar Azam was run out in a mix-up.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.