Shaheen Afridi chose the three terrains to fall on Day 1.
Pakistan missed an opportunity to put New Zealand in a spot on the first morning of the Boxing Day test at Mount Maunganui as they failed to hold on to three sacks and refrained from taking what should have been a straightforward review for an appeal. of LBW against Kane. Williamson.
Pakistan substitute captain Mohammad Rizwan got off to a good start in his new role, winning the draw and setting up the locals. Afridi got off to a fierce start, seeing the back of Tom Latham in the first over and Tom Blundell in the 10th, leaving New Zealand 13-2 in the 11th final. Unfortunately for the visitors, however, Pakistan could only choose one more wicket for the remainder of the day, again for Afridi, as Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor combined forces for another resurgent alliance, pulling their side out of a ring early.
“We tried to get wickets from the beginning with new balls and we took two wickets, but if you don’t get receptions it will be difficult,” Afridi said.
Williamson and Taylor added a 120-run position for the third wicket before Afridi fired Taylor for 70, but another partnership ensued, between New Zealand captain and No. 5 hitter Henry Nicholls, leading New Zealand to the stumps. with an undefeated position of 89 runs. .
The fast pitcher’s frustration comes from the opportunities given to both Williamson and Nicholls. While Williamson was knocked down twice in the slips, by Shan Masood and Haris Sohail, facing Naseem Shah and Afridi respectively, Abbas downed a caretaker on the thin leg to give Nicholls a breather after Naseem induced a hook shot. precipitate from the New Zealand batter.
To make matters worse, Pakistan also failed to review an LBW call against Williamson from a well-run Afridi Yorker. Williamson tried to get him out, but the ball hit him first on the platform. The reps suggested that the ball had happened to hit the stump.
“They hit hard, but I’m 100% frustrated by the missed catches. It’s disappointing when you drop catches, and we didn’t take the (Williamson) review,” Afridi said.
“It is part of the game, but if you need to win games you have to receive receptions and improve the field. They know how to play in their conditions, so it is difficult, but the ball is still new and tomorrow we will come.” difficult to take land as soon as possible. “
With the green brushing on their side, New Zealand finished Day 1 222-for-3, with Williamson still hitting six short of what will be his 23rd century test.
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