Email Us Forum Mail Article Print Article

Khan keeps the game alive

Tuesday, December 23 2003

A career best 137 from Moin Khan & stubborn support from Inzamam Ul-Haq & Abdul Razzaq has ensured Pakistan stay in touch against New Zealand at Hamilton.

Starting the day in a delicate position at 4-227, the Pakistani captain was given an instant reprieve with Lou Vincent putting him down off the first ball of the day, Inzamam & Razzaq went about their task slowly but surely at first in the face of some hostile bowling from Daryll Tuffey, unfortunately both failed to capitalize on their starts, Inzamam falling leg before to the tireless Tuffey for a well made 51, while Razzaq continued on to 48 before edging behind off Tuffey.

At 6-285 Pakistan were facing the prospect of following on, however Khan, with unexpected assistance from Mohammad Sami ensured Pakistan would stay in the match, Sami’s defence proved uncharacteristically difficult to penetrate as the tailender lasted 115 balls for his 25, meanwhile Khan was at his innovative best, his array of streaky, aggressive shots frustrating the bowlers beyond belief.

The New Zealanders could hardly blame luck, as apart from Tuffey & at times Jacob Oram their bowling left much to be desired, Ian Butler was erratic & Daniel Vettori lacked penetration on a placid pitch.

Sami eventually edged behind off Vettori for 25, ending a 152 run stand with Khan, who was leg before to Tuffey 3 overs later for 137 (20 fours, 2 sixes), the lower order were quickly cleaned up by Ian Butler to leave Pakistan all out for 463, a deficit of exactly 100.

Tuffey was rewarded for his persistence with 5-87, while Jacob Oram bowled with great discipline to finish with 2-55 from 23 overs.

Mark Richardson & Lou Vincent then saw out the remaining 2 overs in the days play without loss.

New Zealand retain the upper hand heading into the final day, however this match still appears headed for a draw.

Summary

NZL 563 (Fleming 192, Vettori 137*, Ahmed 5-117)
PAK 463 (Khan 137, Inzamam 51, Tuffey 5-87)
NZL 0-4 (Richardson 4*)

Posted by DavidH