Pakistan needed early wickets to warp up New Zealand’s innings by the start of the day. However, skipper Daniel Vettori had other plans and he played a resolute knock to help his side big time.
The bespectacled left hander loves batting against Pakistan and brought up his third ton against them soon after lunch. New Zealand crossed the 300 mark and eventually were all out for a more than reasonable total of 356.
Vettori made a fine 110 off 166 balls and added invaluable 138 runs with Reece Young (57) to help his side. For Pakistan Umar Gul ended with 4-87 while Tanvir Ahmed claimed 3-93. This total of Black Caps was on the higher side especially after Pakistan had them at 180-6 on day one. Pakistani bowlers bowled badly and failed to dislodge Vettori and Young with some irregular line and lengths.
Pakistan were off to a poor start as Mohammad Hafeez was caught behind only in the second over – a decision he wasn’t impressed with. From there on Taufeeq Umar combined well with Azhar Ali. Both the batsmen added 132 runs for the second wicket to get Pakistan back into the game. Taufeeq drove the ball down the ground well while Azhar stroked the ball in the gaps to gather runs. The good thing about was that they avoided extravagance and played the ball on merit. Taufeeq was unlucky to fall in the last over of the day when he fell to Daniel Vettori for 70 off 143 balls. Pakistan ended the day at 134-2 still 222 runs adrift of New Zealand’s first innings total. Azhar Ali is well set on 65 off 148 balls and should now convert his start into a big century and others should aim play around him.
Star of the day: Pakistan needed good scores from their openers and Taufeeq provided them with just that. The southpaw played determinedly stroking the ball in his trademark style down the ground. He added 132 for the second wicket with Azhar Ali. Taufeeq completed his 11th Test fifty and also reached his 2000 Test runs in process.
Moment that Mattered: Pakistan lost opener Mohammad Hafeez early. From there on Taufeeq Umar knitted a valuable partnership with Azhar Ali to repair the early damage. The pair added 132 for the second wicket. Taufeeq fell for 70 just before the close Azhar was still there on 65 but their partnership was substantial for Pakistan’s reply.
