Riveting Test series ends in stalemate despite Sarfaraz’s heroics

Sarfaraz scored a brilliant ton [Source: Associated Press]

Surely the pitches in Pakistan have come under scrutiny as of late, but no one can deny the quality of cricket produced by both Pakistan and New Zealand. This was a nail-biter that truly justifies why Test cricket still rules.

Cricket experts were ready to lambast Pakistan when they were reduced to 80 for 5. But Saud Shakeel and Sarfaraz Ahmed rescued Pakistan from a precarious situation and almost pulled off an incredible heist for the home side.

Sarfaraz Ahmed notched up his 4th Test century and this truly defines the character that the experienced batter has in his arsenal.

The day started with Pakistan chasing the unthinkable against a spirited New Zealand side who were eager to seal the series. The home side were jolted early in the day when Imam-ul-Haq tried to take on Ish Sodhi and his stumps were castled.

Under pressure skipper Babar Azam joined hands with Shan Masood and started the repair work. Babar started on an aggressive route and smashed five boundaries in an eight over period. Masood on the other hand looked calmer and was happy to nudge things here and there. 

Babar inside-edged Bracewell behind to Tom Latham who took a smart catch to dismiss the Pakistan skipper for 27.

Things turned from bad to worse as Masood followed his skipper back to the pavilion and the home team were tottering at 80/5.

This is when Shakeel and Sarfaraz joined hands and steadied the ship for their side. While Shakeel played more as an anchor, who was willing to bat with patience, Sarfaraz, the man in-form was the aggressor in the partnership and made his intentions clear from the word go.

The duo frustrated New Zealand as they showed grit, determination and great character. Tim Southee tried all his permutations and combinations, but nothing worked for his side.

They added 123 runs for the sixth wicket before Shakeel was eventually sent packing for 32 by Bracewell.

Sarfaraz continued the good work and was a man on a mission to steer his side past the winning line. He returned back in the Pakistan Test squad for this series and showed his worth by scoring his 4th Test century that kept Pakistan alive in the Test match.

Pakistan crawled and crawled and got closer to the target before lights started fading out and at the crucial juncture Sarfaraz (118) was caught at leg slip while trying to flick a good length ball.

The last wicket pair of Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed held their nerves and Pakistan fell short of target by 15 runs as the umpires decided that there's not enough light for the play to continue.

Brief Score

Pakistan 2nd innings: 304-9 (90)

Sarfaraz Ahmed 118 (176), Shan Masood 35 (66);

Michael Bracewel 4-75 (20), Tim Southee 2-43 (20)

Match draw

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