Dubai Test: Azhar, Haris lift Pakistan after openers fail

Photo Courtesy: ICC/Twitter

Pakistan were 207/4 at stumps on the first day of the Dubai Test against New Zealand on Saturday.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first.

The side were reeling at 25/2 with openers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez getting caught by Tom Latham from the bowling of Colin de Grandhomme after scoring nine runs each.

However, Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail’s half centuries helped Pakistan recover in the innings.

Related: New Zealand beat Pakistan in Abu Dhabi thriller

The duo scored a 126 run stand on the third wicket as Ali was run out after scoring 81 runs from 187 balls with seven fours and a maximum to his name.

Pakistan slumped to 174/4 as Asad Shafiq was caught by Neil Wagner from the bowling of Ajaz Patel after contributing 12 runs with the bat.

New Zealand have a 1-0 lead in the three match series.

Related: Sarfraz blames ‘soft, cheap dismissals’ for Abu Dhabi Test debacle

The Blackcaps won the first Test at Abu Dhabi in a thrilling fashion. The side defended a 176-run target as they bowled out the Pakistan side for 171, winning the game by four runs.

Pakistan will be eyeing a comeback in the series by winning the second Test.

Pakistan XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (captain wicket keeper), Hasan Ali, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas and Yasir Shah.

New Zealand XI: Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (captain), Ross Taylor, BJ Watling (wicket keeper), Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult and Ajaz Patel.

Article source: https://www.samaa.tv/sports/2018/11/pakistan-vs-new-zealand-2nd-test-dubai/