Babar Azam (PC-AFP)
Babar Azam (PC-AFP)

As their first Test match against New Zealand finished in a draw at the National Stadium on Friday, Pakistan had a narrow escape.

Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, made an effort to defend his team’s performance and stated that if they want to win the next Test, they will need to play a little bit more positive cricket.

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Babar Azam (PC-AP)
Babar Azam (PC-AP)

Due to poor lighting, the first Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand was called off early on Day 5 in Karachi, ending in a tie. Prior to the game’s cancellation, New Zealand was 61/1 in the chase of 138 and had two unbeaten players in Tom Latham (35*) and Devon Conway (18*).

Imam-ul-Haq scored 96 runs earlier, then Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel added 53 and 55* runs, respectively, to give Pakistan a lead of 137.

Pakistan Cricket Team
Photo Credit: (PTI)

Pakistan then declared their innings at 311/8. Ish Sodhi, who finished with the number 6/86, was chosen as New Zealand’s preferred bowler. Sodhi’s first five-wicket haul in a Test was this one. Prior to that, Williamson’s unbeaten double-century allowed the visitors to declare their first innings with a score of 612-9, a comfortable 174-run lead.

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“Both teams played excellent cricket”: Babar Azam

When asked what Pakistan should do differently to win the second Test and the series, Babar Azam responded, “We need to play slightly more positively and with aggression”

Babar Azam
Babar Azam (Image Credits: Twitter)

“Every player plays with his own mindset and attempts to carry out the strategies. New Zealand deserves praise for the way it performed and dominated. Overall, though, both teams played excellent cricket” Babar Azamadded.

The second test starts at the same venue on Monday.

At Karachi National Stadium: Pakistan 438 and 311-8 declared (Imam-ul-Haq 96, Saud Shakeel 55 not out, Sarfaraz Ahmed 53, Mohammad Wasim 43; Ish Sodhi 6-86) drew with New Zealand 612-9 declared and 61-1 (Tom Latham 35no).

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