Pranay: "Good declaration!" Let's take time to ponder which side we are on during the break. Pakistan's innings coming up soon.
Salil: "Declare with a world class batter batting? Could have added 20-30 quickfire runs. "
Melvin: "@Larry, If you watched the match you would notice how Pak kept bowling negative lines to control the run flow. It's easier in the hindsight" Yes, but the the match and pitch conditions do apply as caveats.
Larry: "Would it be harsh to say that Kane could have batted a bit quicker? England have shown how to get results on these pitches and it's not through traditional test match play" It's a thought experiment, isn't it? Both sides of the argument carry good weight. Given we're not sure of the rate of deterioration of this pitch going forward, sitting on the fence doesn't seem an unreasonable option for now.
Tea has been taken with the bowlers in the field for 195 overs (including extras) and over two days! Abrar took a five-for but it came at a high cost on a slow, low pitch. All in all, they missed at least seven chances, drops and non-reviews included. The pitch hasn't gotten too lively yet but how will tired batters go against fresh bowlers is the question.
2:43pm: Abrar looks to get back to his run-up but Southee calls the players in. New Zealand declare with a lead of 174 runs. Kane gets a generous round of applause as he walks back. Most number of overs Pakistan have had to bowl in seven years, mentions Simon Doull on air. Perfect reply from New Zealand to effectively rule out a Pakistan win. It looks very unlikely at this stage at least. Latham and Conway set things up yesterday. Williamson took it forward. Got support from the middle order despite no one getting a big score. Sodhi joined him late yesterday, blunted out the attack in the morning. Both batters ticked along and picked their moments later on to add 154 runs. After a few quick wickets, Ajaz Patel hung around till the former skipper got to 200.
Zia Abbasi: "Williamson deserves double hundred, love him watching play, looks so dexterous and pleasing on eye. " He has a chance now. Abrar has a slip
END OF OVER:194 | (maiden) | NZ: 607/9
- Ajaz Patel0 (8b)
- Kane Williamson195 (390b)
- Noman Ali63-5-185-3
- Abrar Ahmed67-8-200-5
Haris: "@Devarajan, I bet Spinners are wishing they were Cyborgs "
Colin: "Let's say Pakistan gets 30 overs tonight: if they go for it they could wipe out most of the deficit, then add another 250 by mid afternoon tomorrow, before declaring and going for the win. Am I dreaming? " No, but it is highly improbable
Short leg, leg slip and slip in
END OF OVER:193 | (maiden) | NZ: 607/9
- Kane Williamson195 (390b)
- Ajaz Patel0 (2b)
- Abrar Ahmed67-8-200-5
- Noman Ali62-4-185-3
Haris: "50 wicket-less overs. 51-53 provide 3 wickets."
Last ball
GPGP: "Long pauses in the commentary make us nervous!Turns out it was just: "Nauman Ali to Williamson, 1 run""
END OF OVER:192 | 1 Run | NZ: 607/9
- Kane Williamson195 (384b)
- Ajaz Patel0 (2b)
- Noman Ali62-4-185-3
- Abrar Ahmed66-7-200-5
Devarajan : "Don't spinners get tired? Just saw the number of overs bowled by these two and I haven't seen anything like this in recent times in international cricket" They do, it'll be interesting to hear from them or the skipper later
Last ball of the over. Kane takes a couple of steps and has a word with Ajaz
194* for Kane, one wicket to get for Nauman.
