Poor visibility ended an exhilarating last session of cricket within the drawn first Test on Friday after New Zealand had threatened to grab victory following Pakistan’s daring declaration.
Chasing 138 to win in 15 overs, New Zealand was at 61 for one in solely the eighth over of the second innings when the Test completed early due to unhealthy gentle.
Pakistan resumed after Tea at 249 for seven in its second innings — a lead of 75 — and Kiwi leg-spinner Ish Sodhi (six for 86) threatened to set his crew up for victory.
Left-handed Saud Shakeel made an unbeaten 55 and received loads of help from the 2 tailenders, Mohammad Wasim (43) and Mir Hamza (3 not out). They did so effectively that Pakistan captain Babar Azam caught the customer unexpectedly and declared at 311 for eight late within the last session.
It set New Zealand, which scored 612 for 9 declared within the first innings, a tempting goal and the customer went for it. Tom Latham was unbeaten on 35 and Devon Conway was not out on 18 when the sunshine intervened to probably save Pakistan from its fifth straight Test defeat at residence.