After conceding a first-innings lead to New Zealand A, Pakistan Shaheens (Pakistan A) fought back vigorously in the ongoing one-off unofficial Test at Whangerei on day 3. The visitors were powered by centuries from Fawad Alam and Rohail Nazir to reach 318/9, a lead of 286, at Stumps. This leaves the game nicely poised and with possibility of all three results on final day.
At the start of day 3, Shaheens were 15/1 and trailing by 17 runs. Overnight batsmen and Pakistan Test team regulars, Shan Masood and Azhar Ali didn't get far. Masood got out for 14 while Ali, former Pakistan Test captain, scored 29. Imran Butt also got out cheaply for 10.
But then, Fawad and Rohail stitched together a 215-run partnership which took Pakistan to a much stronger position. Alam scored 139 and Nazir an exact 100. Fawad has been in the Test team of Pakistan before and actually scored a hundred on his debut against Sri Lanka more than 10 years ago. He got back into the Test team for the series in England but couldn't seal his place in the team. This hundred may well prove decisive in keeping his place in the Test side intact. Unfortunately for the Pakistan team, the lower order crumbled away, leaving the possibility of New Zealand A winning alive.
For the hosts, Matt Henry, a regular member of the ODI team, picked up five wickets. His figures of 5/52 look very impressive. Medium-pacer Michael Rae picked up three wickets as well but he conceded 75 runs for them at an economy rate of 4.41.
Rachin Ravindra, who has been in the news with his all-round performances recently, couldn't make an impact with the ball. The final day promises to be very exciting though, Pakistan Shaheens may well be the favourites at the moment.
Powered by Froala Editor
Powered by Froala Editor
Powered by Froala Editor