Pakistan and New Zealand first Test: Drawn

Pakistan and New Zealand played the first Test match at the National Stadium Karachi. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam chose to bat after winning the toss but it was the guest team that shone bright throughout the Test match. Even though the inclusion of Sarfaraz Ahmed in the Pakistani squad proved to be fruitful for the team, New Zealand team showed great skill in all three departments, batting, bowling and fielding.

New Zealand team led by Tim Southee was able to oust the entire Pakistan team in the first innings for 438 with Babar Azam (161), Agha Salman (103) getting a century each and Sarfaraz Ahmed scoring 86 runs. When it was time for New Zealand to bat, Kane Williamson showed his experience and class by scoring a double century and remaining not out. There batting was clinical from the first ball with the openers having a strong partnership and later Ish Sodhi scoring a half century and providing his the stability it required. They declared after scoring 612 runs.

For Pakistan, the bowling department was missing its main pacers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi but the spinners contributed with Abrar Ahmed getting a 5-wicket haul.

In the second innings of Pakistan batting Imam ul Haq (96),  Sarfaraz Ahmed (53) and Saud Shakeel (55) each scored a half century, however the innings was a rollercoaster ride to say the least. Ish Sodhi proved to be the standout bowler for New Zealand. He managed to snag wickets cheaply 6/86. Pakistan, after getting a lead of 174, declared their second innings at 311-8 in the final session of the match. New Zealand was great momentum in the second innings as well, they were scoring runs at a steady pace and had scored 61-1 when the match was called due to bad light which resulted the match being a draw.

The second Test match will start on Monday.