NZ VS PAK TESTS

Right then, the last Test match of the year comes to a close! It turned out to be an exciting draw in the end all thanks to the declaration from Babar Azam. It's going to be a quick turnaround as we will return to Karachi for the second Test match, starting on the 2nd of January, 2023 at 10.30 am IST (5 am GMT). Do join us for all the action. Until then, it's goodbye from us. Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous new year. Stay safe and don't drink and drive. Cheers!

Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan, says that it was a brave declaration as they wanted a result but the light was not good enough. On the fifth bowling option, Babar replies that Agha Salman is there for them but he was not feeling well after his knock in the first innings. Praises Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Wasim for the way they batted and formed a partnership. Tells that they are happy with the result and he admits that there are areas they need to work on ahead of the next Test match.

Tim Southee, the captain of New Zealand, starts by saying that he doesn't feel that the win slipped away and adds that it was pleasant to get into a winning position despite losing the toss. He praises his boys for all the hard work they put in the last five days. Feels that late in the third innings, Pakistan batted nicely and a couple of good knocks took the game to safety for them. Southee is excited for Sodhi who made a tremendous comeback to Test cricket and will be proud of himself. The Kiwi skipper also lauds the batting effort of Kane Williamson who showed his class and proved his credentials in these conditions yet again. On his captaincy, Southee replies that it was nothing different from what they usually do with Kane and Tom Latham around for suppport.

Kane Williamson is the Player of the Match for his double century! The former Kiwi skipper says that it was a fantastic opening stand that set the tone for them in the first innings. Adds that he was just aiming to build a lot of partnerships. Tells that Pakistan are very well equipped for these conditions and New Zealand just tried to stick to the plans. Mentions that it was a good surface for batting but at the same time, the rough that got created made things interesting. When asked about his feeling after giving up the captaincy, Kane smiles and replies that he was still a part of a number of chats with Southee who he feels did a great job as the leader of the group. Shares that it was nice to spend some time in the middle and make a contribution like that with the bat. He is happy with the way they adjusted with the ball as the conditions are alien to them.

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Let's throw some spotlight on the centurions. Babar Azam was dropped on 12 by Daryl Mitchell and he went on to make 161 runs. His departure in the first over of Day 2 was a big moment as it allowed New Zealand to make a comeback. Agha Salman's ton along with his expertise to bat with the lower order was also one of the highlights for Pakistan. For the Kiwis, Tom Latham stroked a fabulous hundred and then Kane Williamson put on a resolute show with the bat and reached his fifth double century in Tests. He too was granted a life when he was on 21 as Sarfaraz Ahmed failed to do the stumping. Have to say, the flaws in this game played a big role in making it interesting.

Pakistan lost out on many counts. It was a bizarre approach from them on the first morning of this Test where they threw away four wickets. Babar Azam's superlative knock and his partnership with Sarfaraz Ahmed rescued them but the Kiwis bounced back on Day 2 and restricted them under 450. With the ball, Pakistan struggled to pick wickets at regular intervals, and by forming handy partnerships, New Zealand managed to earn a 174-run lead. Not to forget plenty of opportunities that Pakistan missed on the field, be it while going for the catch, inflicting a stumping or showing alertness to take the DRS.

It's a well-fought Test match! Both teams had their say, and it's New Zealand who took the initiative on Day 4 when this game was hanging in the balance. Kane Williamson's masterclass with the bat and his century stand with Ish Sodhi put New Zealand on top, and Sodhi then took that confidence into his bowling and picked up a 6-wicket haul - his best Test bowling figures in an innings. The other two spinners disappointed in the second innings and that can be counted as one of the reasons New Zealand missed out on the series lead.

There were many great innings in this Test but the knock of Saud Shakeel and his partnership with Mohammad Wasim was the one that saved this Test match for Pakistan, and can be counted as the most impactful one. Mir Hamza's long stay at the crease cannot be ignored either.

Pakistan are relieved! They have come out of this Test match unscathed. Babar Azam took a chance by declaring and setting a target but the way New Zealand responded scared the home team. Had the fading light not interfered, we were heading towards a thrilling finish.

Another reading is being taken. A quick check from Aleem Dar. He has a word with Alex Wharf. The light is found to be inadequate. Babar Azam has a smile of relief on his face. Latham is having a word with the umpires. Now, the players shake hands and this TEST MATCH ENDS IN A DRAW!

Bowls it wide outside off, Devon Conway leaves it alone.

On a length and on off, slower too. Tom Latham gently pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Around the wicket. On a length and on off, Devon Conway drills it towards long on for one.

It's getting dark and the light meter is out again. They are checking the natural light. The artificial lights are switched on as well. With the fast bowlers bowling, it won't be long before the umpires take them off.

Slightly shorter and outside off, Tom Latham looks to pull it but misses.

This one lands outside off, Tom Latham swings his bat at it but fails to connect.

Full and on off, Devon Conway looks to heave it but gets an inside edge onto his knees as the ball rolls towards the gully region. They collect one and Conway is limping. That hit the unprotected area near the knee.