Pakistan needs two wickets

Pakistan needs two wickets to seal a win

The showdown in Abu Dhabi proved that Pakistan is still mightier than New Zealand. The team only required two wickets to thrash their opponents in their first game of the tour.

New Zealand had only 173 for eight and still ragged behind with a margin of 306 runs. They had fallen down previously in the day as Pakistan took the morning hours. Pakistan with no time was favorite as they had rocked 175 for two with their star man Mohammad Hafeez clinching 100.

As the game day started, Pakistan started on a high note as they recorded 15 to zero and by mid-day, the team had conquered their opponents fully. Thanks to their star man Hafeez who had gunned 50, the team extended their lead against New Zealand to more than 400.

Individually, Hafeez had 72 with his compatriot Younis Khan who made a fast review had gunned 26. The team in the wee hours had 127 for one against the Kiwis. Azhar Ali was the exclusive player to see his day fall in the break of day.

Younis struggled to add his wicket tally as the game went on. However, other players such as Ish Sodhi were among those getting their names on the scoreboard with 28. The latter was frustrated that his choice let him down before mid day but in his second attempt, he rightfully had the LBW.

Hafeez was left alone to clinch the win has he fought hand in hand with Sarfaz Ahmed to get his 130 balls. This was followed by the integration of the batsmen leaving New Zealand no choice but to play the match just for leisure.

The Kiwis had a good game in the beginning with Tom Latham and his compatriot Brendon McCullum hit the 50 stand. However, their morale fell down as Latham could only manage 20 while McCullum only 39.

Pakistan bowling was magnificent with Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali, and Zulfiqur Babar acquiring the dual wickets. On the other hand, New Zealand’s Ross Taylor had 8 with duals of Jimmy Neesham and BJ Watling enjoying the ducks.

Tim Southee fell five to give Pakistan an early victory despite the much resistance posted by Mark Craig and Ish Sodhi who locked horns with 27.