We pushed for a win, but Sarfaraz's intent took the game away from us: Tim Southee

Sarfaraz scored a brilliant ton [Source: Associated Press]

New Zealand skipper Tim Southee has rued missed chances, but reckons that his side were just one ball away from a series victory. Southee also stated that New Zealand were pushing for victory but Sarfaraz Ahmed's century took the game away from them.

Pakistan's last wicket partnership of Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah survived 21 deliveries in fading light while Sarfaraz scored a majestic hundred and almost pulled off an heist for his nation.

"It came down to those last moments. Great end to ten days of pretty tough toil. We got ourselves to push for a win, but Sarfaraz played with intent and took the game away from us in the second session. Funny game, we saw in the end that it was still up for grabs," Southee said in the post-match press conference.

 "You approach every Test to win. Tough tour to play 10 days in the same ground. We will try and chip in with some wins in ODIs," Southee stated when asked about their approach for the ODIs.

Coming to the game, Pakistan were set a daunting target of 319. The home side were reduced to 80 for 5 when Sarfaraz Ahmed joined hands with Saud Shakeel and marched on towards an unlikely win. Sarfaraz scored a brilliant 118, but that wasn't enough for Pakistan to win the game.

Also Read: Riveting Test series ends in stalemate despite Sarfaraz’s heroics