*Official* Pakistan v New Zealand in the UAE 2018

[Flem274*]

thanks bois

 

[Starfighter]

Absolutely ****ing unnecessary. Ridiculous.

I'm guessing a wicket has fallen?

 

[Bahnz]

Really nice that from Ajaz. He really deserves that.

If I were Kane I'd leave taking the new ball for a couple more overs, Ajaz is looking tough to deal with in the gloom.

 

[Moss]

There's a lifeline for NZ with Shafiq's wicket, Pakistan haven't run away with it yet so there's a chance if they bowl well enough.

 

[trundler]

Another bonus wicket. This is why you don't pre meditate. ****ing stupid.

 

[The Hutt Rec]

Close to becoming NZ's day ...

Wagner with the most overs of any bowler so far today with 22 seems a bit crazy.

 

[straw man]

Just tuned in, sounds like the last two wickets were a real bonus. Even better that Pakistan are only 180 with the second new ball - one more wicket here and we're into Sarfraz and the tail, who contributed nothing last match (just like our tail).

 

[trundler]

Nothing says alpha like back to back fours.

 

[Bahnz]

Narrowly Pakistan's day, thanks to some good batting from Azhar and Sohailand some sloppy fielding from NZ, but if NZ can nip out a couple in the first hour tomorrow they'll be well placed.

 

[trundler]

Good day of test cricket. Aggrieved by the 2 bonus wickets but Pakistan did well to recover. A nice contrast to all the #intent. The match remains delicately poised since Pakistan don't bat very deep.

 

[Prince EWS]

Narrowly Pakistan's day, thanks to some good batting from Azhar and Sohailand some sloppy fielding from NZ, but if NZ can nip out a couple in the first hour tomorrow they'll be well placed.

I think NZ actually played marginally better than Pakistan today, but the toss is pretty big in Dubai to the point where Pakistan are firmly in front despite that.

 

[trundler]

Cannot wait to see how Abbas will go on here.

 

[trundler]

Missed the second session but yes, NZ outplayed Pakistan today. The acceleration after the second new ball was good to watch.

 

[Bahnz]

I think NZ actually played marginally better than Pakistan today, but the toss is pretty big in Dubai to the point where Pakistan are firmly in front despite that.

Not as big as at Abu Dhabi, where the win:loss ratio for the team that wins the toss is 7:1 (at Dubai it's 2:1), but yeah with the ball periodically going through the top on day 1, it's hard to avoid the conclusion that having 200 in the bank with 6 wickets in hand is a big advantage.

 

[harsh.ag]

That they only lost 4 wickets on the first day is a big plus, but it is blunted by having scored just 200 runs. NZ still have to try and make sure they bat up to tea on day 4. Best way to get a win/draw.

 

[Flem274*]

really need to fight hard with the bat in this one. huge innings coming up. absolutely cannot give away soft freebies to the quicks when yasir is going to be a monster on this judging by how many issues sodhi caused.

also just realised that wagner is 32. sad times, we won't have him for much longer and his epic spells will be tough work in his old age. i hope he can do a marto and charge in until he's 45.

 

[trundler]

Gotta love Watling.

 

[trundler]

Boult has been more wayward this morning.

 

[Flem274*]

internet is punishingly slow tonight so hard to watch but this has been a great grind by sohail

 

[trundler]

Bouncer barrage from Wagner aw yissss.