Pakistan lose steam in second Test

Pakistan lose steam in the Second Test as Misbah falls short of century, Khan suffers wrong decision.

WELLINGTON: Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq fell short of a century when he was trapped leg-before on 99 as New Zealand clawed their way back into the second Test.

Pakistan were all out for 376 in reply to the Black Caps’ 356, leaving the Test evenly poised after New Zealand received a lucky break when an umpiring error cost Younus Khan his wicket, breaking a 142-run partnership with Misbah.

The tourists had been cruising at 286 for three when Jesse Ryder caught Khan at short leg off a Daniel Vettori delivery that television replays showed missed the bat.

Khan departed on 73 after a decision that sparked a Pakistan collapse as Vettori and Chris Martin tore through the batting line-up to finish with four wickets apiece.

Younus pleased

“Before the World Cup you need a couple of good innings like today’s one, so I’m happy about that,” said Khan.

Regarding his unlucky dismissal, Khan added, “It’s in the nature of the game and the umpires are also human so I think you can’t blame anyone for that decision. In future I think we need referrals.”

While Khan could feel justifiably miffed at umpire Rod Tucker, the most disappointed player was probably Misbah, who looked set to reach his third Test century.

After occupying the crease for more than five hours, facing 207 balls and providing the backbone of Pakistan’s innings, Misbah was dismissed lbw on 99 when a Martin delivery cut back on him. His teammates could not capitalise on his hard work, giving Pakistan a slender lead of 20, which Kiwi openers Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum had whittled down to 11 by stumps.

New Zealand opened the day brightly, as Azhar Ali added only five to his overnight total, falling to a Martin delivery. But from there the hosts struggled to get anything out of a flat Basin Reserve pitch.

Vettori ousted Asaq Shafiq for a duck, and finished with figures of four for 100. Martin took four for 91, becoming the highest wicket-taker at the Basin Reserve.“We kept our focus, our lines and our discipline,” said Martin. “Sometimes you feel like its going come and its going come quickly and it definitely did in that last session.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2011.