New Zealand v Pakistan, 1st Test day 3: 5 Talking Points

In spite of the fact that the first day of the first Test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was washed out, it seems quite clear that there will be a result. A result that would certainly mean the world to New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson who has been at the receiving end of a considerable amount of flak following some terrible performances in the Indian subcontinent. The day, however, well and truly belonged to the bowlers.

Interestingly, the bowlers were impressive and able to make a mark on proceedings, something that helped the Pakistanis make their way back into the grand scheme of things. While Pakistan clawed their way back into the match, it seemed as though the Kiwis did indeed have the upper hand for the same. At the close of play, it was Pakistan who boasted of an impressive 62-run lead while the hosts now beckon on an impressive Test match win over Pakistan.

1. Pakistan pacers wipe out New Zealand resistance

Having lost just the three wickets at the close of play on the previous day, the Kiwis were blasted out by the impressive Pakistani pacers on the first session of the morning. Henry Nicholls and Jeet Raval perished in the first session of the morning within one over of each other. While Raval had impressed with some patient and vintage Test cricket innings, it was Henry Nicholls who was able to make an impact, something he had not done in the series against India in the subcontinent.

There was some hint of aggression from Colin de Grandhomme who is quite clearly leading the way for the Kiwis at the moment. Having claimed six wickets in the first innings, it seemed quite clear that this was something that had rubbed off on his batting. De Grandhomme’s innings was a massive boost as he smashed a quickfire 29. Todd Astle’s innings lasted all of five deliveries while BJ Watling made a start to his innings. Tim Southee and Neil Wagner impressed with some impressive batsmanship towards the close of the New Zealand innings as they added a quick few runs.

Also read – Sure that Root will thrust his pads forward in next innings: R Ashwin

2. Rahat Ali shines and thrives in seaming conditions

While the Pakistan bowling attack had certainly shown up and stamped their authority on the grand scheme of things, it seemed quite clear that the main bowler as far as Pakistan was concerned was Rahat Ali. The left-arm pacer is certainly not the fastest bowler by any measurable means. He bowls some impressive lines, though, something that Rahat is more than capable of. The 27-year old was able to make an impact with the ball by taking three wickets in the morning, something that was most unprecedented, to say the least. He picked the wickets of BJ Watling, Todd Astle, and most importantly, the wicket of Neil Wagner to conclude the New Zealand batting innings.

3. New Zealand pacers land glancing blows

The start of the Pakistan innings was quite similar to that of the first innings. Sami Aslam was the first to go when Colin de Grandhomme was yet again the first to pick the wicket. Once again, it was the outswinger from de Grandomme that ensured the wicket. Moreover, it was Sami Aslam who was simply not able to go anywhere with his innings when he took 57 deliveries to net his 7 runs.

However, in spite of the Azhar Ali and Babar Azam partnership, as well as some resistance from Misbah-ul-Haq, it was clear that the waiting game would not last long. Neil Wagner quickly dismissed Babar Azam and Younis Khan before Tim Southee and Trent Boult impressed with some impressive bowling, something not many expected, to say the least.

4. A few batsmen make valuable contributions

What followed was a defensive ploy from the likes of Azhar Al and Babar Azam. The duo was making inroads and was successfully waiting out the new ball ploy from New Zealand. This was also successfully frustrating the bowlers from the New Zealand side. The added a few runs together and also seemingly got the Pakistanis into a zone of safety.

Misbah-ul-Haq might have scored just a few runs, but, the fact of the matter remained that he was playing an innings of great value. He managed 13 runs from 47 deliveries including a boundary. Sohail Khan made tail-end batting look as easy as ever when he smashed three boundaries and a six in quick succession to help the Pakistanis to a lead of close to 100 runs.

5. Kiwis on the brink of victory

In spite of the fact that the Pakistanis were indeed impressing, to say the least, it was New Zealand who had the upper hand at the close of play. Tomorrow morning, it would be a case of just picking up the remaining three wickets to complete the innings and chase a score in and around the 100-run mark. However, Kane Williamson, the New Zealand skipper will only know all too well to underestimate their opponents on the day as the Pakistani pacers would be exploiting the seam conditions at the Hagely Oval.

Also read – 12 Facts about Jeet Raval – The new face of New Zealand cricket