Pakistan vs New Zealand 2nd Test, Day 5: 5 interesting highlights of the day’s play

Ross Taylor's 104 went in vain as Pakistan held on for a draw at Dubai on the final day.

Published: November 22, 2014 1:48 AM IST

By Aamir Salati

Pakistan vs New Zealand 2nd Test, Day 5: 5 interesting highlights of the day’s play

The second Test match between Pakistan and New Zealand eventually ended in a draw after an interesting last day’s play.New Zealand declared their innings before the lunch break with Ross Taylor notching an impressive century, setting Pakistan a target of 261 to chase in possibly 72 overs. In reply Pakistan at one stage were put under pressure, but they managed to scrape through, largely thanks to the fifth wicket partnership between Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq. Here is what happened on the last day of the Test.

Ross Taylor’s ton, Yasir Shah’s 5-wicket haul and New Zealand’s declaration: Ross Taylor, who started the day on an overnight score of 77, went on to register his 12th Test century and that steered New Zealand to safety. After Taylor’s impressive knock Yasir Shah removed him to clinch his first five-wicket haul in Tests. Tim Southee who hit three sixes towards the end was last wicket to fell as New Zealand declared their innings on 250-9, with the aid of 10 runs lead Pakistan were given a target of 261 with 72 overs remaining in the day’s play.

Tim Southee makes early inroad: After a brave declaration New Zealand were rewarded early, when Tim Southee struck in second over of Pakistan innings to remove Taufeeq Umar. The left-hander edged one to the keeper and Pakistan were put under the cosh early on.

Shan Masood and Azhar Ali make recovery: After Taufeeq’s dismissal opener Shan Masood and Azhar Ali put up a fight back to help Pakistan recover from the early jolt. The two survived a tricky period and put on 62-run stand for the second wicket, before Azhar was caught at covers off Mark Craig’s luring full toss. Pakistan at that stage were 70-2.

Pakistan put under pressure: Azhar’s dismissal brought uneasiness to Pakistan as Trent Boult scalped two more wickets in his consecutive overs. Boult, first trapped Masood leg before wicket with his yorker, which the opener reviewed unsuccessfully and then in his next over, with the help of reverse swing he had Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq caught behind, leaving Pakistan in trouble at 75-4.

Pakistan hold on to draw: Unexpected collapse sent jitters in the Pakistan camp, but Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq then stitched a valuable partnership to help their team salvage a draw. The two shared 74 runs between them for the fifth wicket and even looked threatening to take game away from New Zealand at one stage. Younis then looking to attack Craig lost his wicket as ball bounced viciously after turning from outside off and went to first slip off Younis’ gloves.

New Zealand then sensed the opportunity, but Sarfarz Ahmed looked positive along with Shafiq to guide Pakistan to safety. The play was then called off, with Pakistan on 196-5, as both the teams agreed to a draw. Shafiq and Sarfarz remained unbeaten on 41 and 24 respectively. Ross Taylor was adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant century in second innings.

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