**Official** Pakistan v New Zealand in the UAE 2014

[kiwiviktor81]

Not much of a mind game - Taylor was laughing because he knew it was missing and therefore Pakistan had pissed away a review

 

[Athlai]

Good to see that sense of urgency. I think it'll put a lot of pressure on Pakistan if this goes on a bit longer.

 

[BackFootPunch]

Would it be fair to say batting isn't terribly difficult out there? Or are Pakistan just waiting for a declaration already?

I wouldn't be confident of running through a team on this deck, even if they were chasing 250.

 

[Howe_zat]

Well, even if we were bowled out now, Pakistan would still have to score quicker than the first-innings economy rates of Southee, Boult and Sodhi in order to win. Probably the draw is still the most likely outcome from here.

Because run chases famously exactly the same as first innings

Unless they are still batting after lunch, if NZ don't take wickets they will lose.

 

[smash84]

Good point maybe they knew it was a **** review but did it as a mind game.

The only mind game they were playing with that review was their own

 

[kiwiviktor81]

Because run chases famously exactly the same as first innings

Unless they are still batting after lunch, if NZ don't take wickets they will lose.

Just pointing out that it's not likely to be a simple run chase for Pakistan.

 

[Athlai]

Would it be fair to say batting isn't terribly difficult out there? Or are Pakistan just waiting for a declaration already?

I wouldn't be confident of running through a team on this deck, even if they were chasing 250.

Yeah there is a little here for the bowlers but overall this is by no means a terrible day 5 pitch for batting.

That said, ITS ON

 

[Zinzan]

Interestingly poised. Lead now 200 with 85 overs remaining. We'll probably lose 3-4 in the innings change over and around 3-4 for bad light. So if NZ can somehow get another 40 in the next 10 overs and set Pakistan around 240 off around 68 overs it could be an interesting carrot.

 

[hendrix]

Unless they are still batting after lunch, if NZ don't take wickets they will lose.

no way.

We need 30 more runs.

 

[smash84]

It doesnt seem that nz will roll over for about 30 more.

 

[Athlai]

Taylor is such a gun, always puts in the hard yards. The innings has been scratchy as hell but you always feel the longer he bats the better he gets. Never really feel that way about most of other batsman. Kane just always looks class. Baz goes from gold to dross ball by ball. But Taylor just builds and builds.

 

[kiwiviktor81]

In the context of this match, with teh BCs in danger, Taylor's poor form, Pakistan caning everyone in the UAE, 4th/5th day wicket and the high strike rate this is a superb innings from Taylor.

 

[Athlai]

Craig is playing pretty bloody well today, it must be said.

 

[Flem274*]

Mark Craig could probably do a Woodcock during his career and move up to the allrounder spot for Otago. I know he was very pokey to Eshan Adil earlier but judging from what I've seen of his batting over his test career, he can play. He's stood up to some quality bowlers so if he puts the work in maybe we'll be talking about him as an allrounder option in five years time.

 

[Grasshopper]

Craig is playing pretty bloody well today, it must be said.

Yes, he's playing a good hand.

 

[BeeGee]

Craig is playing pretty bloody well today, it must be said.

He's looked more like a batsman than Anderson.

 

[kiwiviktor81]

Craig is playing pretty bloody well today, it must be said.

He should do a Mark Richardson and give up spin for opening the batting.

 

[Flem274*]

Also how hard have the commentators been Gambhiring all game? So great

 

[Howe_zat]

this is not the time to bring back classic Pakistan fielding

 

[Athlai]

Haha that was a terrible effort. Good stuff.