Pakistan maintain lead thanks to draw

The second Test between Pakistan and New Zealand ended in a draw in Dubai on Friday, as Younis Khan's steady innings on day five ensured the hosts maintained their series lead going to Sharjah.
New Zealand made a bold declaration early in the day, setting Pakistan a target of 261 to win thanks to Ross Taylor's century. But the hosts opted to see out the day, reaching the close with five wickets in hand and 65 runs to go.
The day began with Taylor on 77 and Mark Craig still to get off the mark. They were already six down, so Taylor had to push for his century as Yasir Shah removed Craig early on. Shah later bagged Taylor too, stumped, to record his five-fer.
Thus, Brendon McCullum declared with the score on 250 for nine before lunch, leaving Pakistan with a tricky decision. But by the session break they made only 32 runs in 14 overs, for the loss of Taufeeq Umar.
So the course was set, or so it seemed. Quick wickets in the afternoon, two to Trent Boult, put the cat amongst the pigeons a bit as Pakistan sat on 75 for four, requiring another Younis intervention.
The veteran batsman and Asad Shafiq batted together for the next 24 overs, running down the clock as the light faded. But just as it looked like a draw would be called early, Younis was removed for 44 by Craig, caught at slip.
So Pakistan had to do the hard work of seeing out the day, as Shafiq (41) and Sarfraz Ahmed (24) completed the task. The third, and final, Test in Sharjah starts this coming Tuesday.
Latest
-
News
Jos Buttler shines but Manchester Originals lose to Northern Superchargers
The England white-ball captain top-scored but the hosts were beaten at Emirates Old Trafford.
-
News
Harry Brooks and Will Jacks in England Lions squad to face South Africa
The tour match will give an opportunity for players to push for a first Test cap.
-
News
Nathan Ellis and Jordan Thompson help London Spirit claim thrilling derby win
Australian fast bowler Ellis (three for 28) and Thompson (two for 31) reduced the home side to 12 for four.
-
News
Jofra Archer extends Sussex contract for another year
The 27-year-old World Cup winner has been sidelined for more than a year by injury.
-
News
Northern Superchargers put their faith in experience for Hundred campaign
The Headingley-based men’s side could have eight players aged 34 and over in their first-choice XI.
-
News
Liam Livingstone looking forward to entertaining fans in the Hundred again
The England all-rounder finished the 2021 men’s Hundred with the most runs and the highest individual score.
-
News
On this day in 2008: Kevin Pietersen named England Test and one-day captain
The South Africa-born batter made a bright start but lasted just five months in the roles.
-
News
James Vince stars as Southern Brave hammer Welsh Fire in Hundred opener
The right-hander blasted 71 off 41 balls.
-
News
Will Jacks hopes to use The Hundred to boost his international prospects
The 23-year-old has had a stand-out season across the formats this year.
-
News
Eoin Morgan backs England to challenge for T20 World Cup despite struggles
England on Sunday slipped to their joint-heaviest defeat in the 20-over format.