Babar Azam backs bold declaration after Pakistan's narrow escape in Karachi Test

Babar Azam [Source: AP]

Pakistan captain Babar Azam declared late on Day 5 after Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Wasim saved them from a humiliating defeat against New Zealand. 

However, the declaration seemed fatal at one stage after the visiting batters began showing intent from the outset in their run-chase.

Azam had called time on Pakistan's second innings by setting a target of 138, with a mere 15 overs left in the match. 

While bad light ended up limiting New Zealand's threatening response to just half of their overs, the hosts' skipper later justified his call by stating that he wanted to take a "chance".

During the post-match presentation, Babar stated that Pakistan took a chance, hoping for a win. 

He also praised Shakeel and Wasim for their rearguard fightback after New Zealand's Ish Sodhi had reduced the hosts to 206-7 at one stage.

Here's what Babar stated

"We said we'd go after a result. We took a chance, you never know. It's cricket. Anything can happen. At times you have to take brave decisions and take chances,

"Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Wasim Junior's partnership was vital for us because it brought us into the game. That put the idea in my head that we could declare."

With series tied after the drawn Test, the two teams will now collide in the decider at the same venue. The second Test match is slated to be played between January 2 and 6 in Karachi.

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