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Cricket

'Ye harkat Babar ki to nahi thi na?' - Thrilling draw between Pakistan and New Zealand in 1st Test leaves fans in splits

The first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand ended in a draw and here's how fans have reacted for the same.

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'Ye harkat Babar ki to nahi thi na?' - Thrilling draw between Pakistan and New Zealand in 1st Test leaves fans in splits

'Ye harkat Babar ki to nahi thi na?' - Thrilling draw between Pakistan and New Zealand in 1st Test leaves fans in splits (Image Source: Twitter)

After facing a humiliating loss against England in a three-match Test series, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan faced New Zealand in the first Test of the two-match series that kicked off on December 26, Monday and on Day 5, the Kiwis managed to almost pull off a win, until the umpires called it a time due to light. 

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To add more to the match, it was Babar who stood up for the team in the first innings with his 161, eventually helping the Pakistani team put on 438 runs on the board at the end of the first innings. A 196-run partnership between Babar and Sarfaraz Ahmed saw the team toying with the Black Caps pacers. 

However, the joy did not last too long as the Kiwis managed to bounce back in their first innings on the back of a well-made 113 from Tom Latham and a double-century from veteran Kane Williamson. The Tim Southee-led team showed sheer intent and looked forward to winning the game, unlike Pakistan who were unsure of what to do next. 

Babar Azam’s declaration that almost cost Pakistan first Test

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With a lead of 174 runs, Pakistan managed to put on 311 runs in their second innings on the back of a fiery 96 from opener Imam-ul-Haq and a great-hearted 53 from Sarfaraz. Saud Shakeel remained at 55 when skipper Babar made a bizarre decision to declare the innings, with a hope to bowl New Zealand out within 15 overs chasing a target of 138. 

Abrar Ahmed showed a scare by removing Michael Bracewell in the very first over, although one has to agree that the likes of Latham and Devon Conway started scoring boundaries for fun. With Latham scoring a 24-ball 35, the Kiwis remained at 61/1 when the umpires called it a time due to bad light, eventually saving Pakistan from a humiliating Test loss yet again. 

The next Test between the two teams will be played on January 2, Monday and the teams would hope to go for a win, given that the initial match ended in a draw. As things stand, let us take a look at a few Twitter reactions to the clash between New Zealand and Pakistan: 

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New Zealand Pakistan Babar Azam Tim Southee Twitter Reactions PAK VS NZ Pakistan vs New Zealand 2023