Aleem Dar criticises Pakistan for poor fielding against New Zealand

Such has been the level of Pakistan’s display on the field in the ongoing second Test against New Zealand that even umpire Aleem Dar could not help but criticize them. Usually, international umpires do not reveal their opinions about a team or its performance publicly. But a disappointed Aleem Dar has criticized the poor fielding by Pakistan.

Having officiated in dozens of Tests, the international umpire reminded Pakistan that catches win matches, especially in Test cricket. Pakistan dropped as many as seven catches in New Zealand’s first innings of the ongoing Test and it has cost them dearly. They dropped Henry Nicholls four times, Kane Williamson twice and Daryl Mitchell once.

“Fielding plays an important role in winning matches. Pakistan’s fielding has been very disappointing. A couple of dropped opportunities in both Tests hurt Pakistan a lot,” Aleem Dar told reporters in Lahore.

Speaking further, Dar also expressed his willingness to officiate in the upcoming home series against South Africa. The Proteas will tour Pakistan after 14 years and will arrive in Karachi on January 16. The first Test will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi from January 26-30. Both the teams will then travel to Rawalpindi where the second Test will be played from February 4-8.

“I am very pleased to see top teams coming to Pakistan and the PCB making efforts to revive international cricket here,” said Aleem Dar.

New Zealand in driver’s seat

Talking about the ongoing Test in New Zealand, the hosts have put themselves in the driver’s seat. After getting reprieves from the Pakistan fielders, Williamson, Nicholls and Mitchell went on to score centuries, helping the Kiwis pile up a mammoth total of 659 for 6 in reply to Pakistan’s first innings total of 297.

Williamson led the charge with a stunning knock of 238 while Nicholls and Mitchell scored 157 and 102* respectively. At stumps, the tourists were already in trouble at one down for eight, with Kyle Jamieson adding to his five-wicket haul in the first innings by removing Shan Masood for a duck. Pakistan are still trailing New Zealand by runs and will have to play out of their skin to avoid a defeat and a whitewash.