Report - 2nd Test, Day 1 : New Zealand end at 77/2 on a day shortened by rain

Abdullah719

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Toss: Pakistan won the toss, Azhar Ali opted to bowl first.

Teams

New Zealand: TWM Latham, JA Raval, KS Williamson (c), LPRL Taylor, HM Nicholls, C de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (wk), MJ Santner, TG Southee, MJ Henry, N Wagner.

Pakistan: Sami Aslam, Azhar Ali (c), Babar Azam, Younis Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Mohammad Amir, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz, Imran Khan.

Pakistan won a crucial toss on a pitch with a good amount of grass supported by some heavy cloud cover, making three changes as Mohammad Rizwan, Wahab Riaz and Imran Khan all came into the XI, replacing Misbah-ul-Haq, Rahat Ali and Yasir Shah. The start with the ball was exceptional as Amir proved unplayable in the first over with the third ball resulting in Sami dropping a catch at slip off Raval. He made amends, somewhat, off the last ball off the over as a good length delivery was taken, a golden duck for Latham. In his third over, Amir dropped a low return catch, giving Williamson a reprieve. Raval was positive as Sohail struggled with his line and length against the left-handers, with a couple of good drives. Imran came on to bowl and while he kept it tight, he didn't make the batsmen play enough to pose a threat. Sohail was the one to make the second break through as Pakistan challenged a not out decision against Williamson. There was nothing on Hot-spot but a sound was audible and picked up on Snicko - some debate ensued as to whether it was after the ball passed the bat, but nevertheless, the 3rd umpire upheld the review. Sohail was hapless against Taylor, bowling short and wide as the batsman took full advantage. Wahab joined into the attack and continued in a similar manner before play was halted due to rain - that turned out to be the end of play on Day 1.

Summary: Not much to say but Pakistan will be disappointed with their efforts. Aparts from Amir's initial overs, the bowlers were poor and did not threaten enough on a pitch which had some help for the bowlers. When Taylor came out to bat, they simply seemed to forget how to bowl, offering up freebies for the batsman to put away as he raced to 29 off 20. Good spells on Day 2 will be essential to keep New Zealand to a limited total - if New Zealand drag out the innings, Pakistan might regret benching Yasir Shah.

Fall of wickets:

1-5 (Latham, 0.6 ov)
2-39 (Williamson, 14.5 ov)
 
Disappointing but am afraid apart from a dramatic turn around tomorrow morning (assuming play starts on time), the series is slipping away. Once NZ cross 150+ we will be chasing the game.
 
Too many freebies were offered by Sohail khan. Amir wasnt bowled enough

Imran khan was bowled all leave-me balls in his spell

Ball didnt swing around even a little
 
Pretty anti climatic on how the pitch behaved given the pre match images that were circling around a couple of days ago !! This 22 yards looks to be a fine strip with true carry and value for your shots type of wicket.

Hope we can turn it around tomorrow and during the 3rd Innings. Other wise we might as well start preparing for the Aussie tour which in in less than a month from Today !!
 
Well, the team has been selected. I suspect Pakistan will bowl with much better control tomorrow
 
Apart from Amir a very poor bowling effort so far from our bowlers. We have given Kiwis to many easy runs so far and bowling effort on day 2 needs to drastically improve if we want to get a foot hold in this game.
 
Unless we take at least 4 wickets in the morning this series is gone.

Horrid bowling.
 
Taylor looked good, hopefully he continues to do so tomorrow.
 
We only have one world class bowler...Amir.
Wahab has the potential, and hes 31, but too inconsistent.
As for the rest, Sohail, Imran and Rahat are just supporting seamers.
Only other guy who can match Amir or Wahab is Junaid...but for that he has to get his form back.
 
Not much to say after 21 overs of cricket but disappointing we weren't able to make more of the conditions.

Hopefully we'll get our line and length right later today.
 
Pretty anti climatic on how the pitch behaved given the pre match images that were circling around a couple of days ago !! This 22 yards looks to be a fine strip with true carry and value for your shots type of wicket.

Hope we can turn it around tomorrow and during the 3rd Innings. Other wise we might as well start preparing for the Aussie tour which in in less than a month from Today !!

wake up, this attack is gumless ( toothless is old now) and dropping yaseer :facepalm: great reward to your only real bowler
 
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