Day 2: Oram's Outing
Saturday, December 27 2003
All-rounder Jacob Oram compiled his highest Test score and took a late wicket to leave the Black Caps in a strong position against Pakistan after 2 days play in Wellington.
Resuming after a rain-blemished first day at 5/151, Mark Richardson and partner Robbie Hart (19) aimed to establish a strong partnership early in the morning session.
In total, the pair added just 26 yet the 18 overs spent at the crease proved enough to force the traditionally temperamental Pakistani side into a spot of frustration before Shoaib Akhtar's breakthrough.
As Richardson continued to grind away, an able partner was found in Jacob Oram who successfully married natural strength and a cool head to see the Black Caps to 247 before Richardson fell.
The gritty opening batsman compiled an impressive 82 before falling victim to the impressive Shabbir Ahmed, caught by Yousuf Youhana and allowing for Daniel Vettori to join Oram at the crease.
Upon Richardson's dismissal, Oram began to open his arms and reached a Test best of 97 before becoming Shabbir's second victim of the morning.
Batting at number 8, one wonders how many more golden opportunities than this that Oram will receive for a ton.
Following Oram's wicket, Hamilton centurion Vettori attempted to force the scoring rate, reaching 44 before he was caught by Yasir Hameed to represent Mohammad Sami's sole wicket of the first innings.
As Ian Butler fell for 4 with Daryl Tuffey unbeaten on 9, New Zealand had compiled a respectable 366.
Shoaib finished with figures of 5/48 following his return from hamstring troubles.
Pakistan, after opening their scoring through a boundary via the slip cordon were afforded a lucky break when Lou Vincent put down a catch able chance from the bowling of Ian Butler - significantly, Taufeeq Umar remained a rock through till stumps.
The first victim of the innings fittingly went to Oram, bowling around the wicket and finding the edge of Imran Farhat's blade and the safe hands of Robbie Hart.
After a testing past month, Hart looked more composed and represented his usual self behind the stumps.
In the very next over, the impressive Ian Butler claimed his first wicket of the innings when he bowled key batsman Yasir Hameed for just 3 to leave the visitors at 2/30.
Yousuf Youhana safely negotiated the remainder of the day to see Pakistan to safety at 2/52 when stumps were drawn.
Oram and Butler claimed a wicket each, while Daryl Tuffey and Daniel Vettori were typically miserly.
Progress Score: Stumps Day 2
New Zealand 366 (J Oram 97, M Richardson 82, D Vettori 44, Shoaib Akhtar 5/48, Shabbir Ahmed 3/87)
Pakistan 2/52 (Taufeeq Umar 13*, Yousuf Youhana 11*, I Butler 1/11, J Oram 1/16)
Posted by Andre
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