6-star Southee keeps NZ in front of Pakistan

AFP, HAMILTON (NEW ZEALAND): Tim Southee bagged six wickets as New Zealand took a 55-run lead over Pakistan on a rain-shortened third day of the second Test in Hamilton on Sunday.
Only rookie batsman Babar Azam was able to cope with New Zealand’s chief strike bowler and he was left stranded on 90 after running out of partners as Pakistan fought their way back into the match.
Pakistan, after resuming the day on the ropes at 76-5, clawed their way to 216 in reply to New Zealand’s first innings 271. 
New Zealand only faced one dot ball in their second innings before rain sent the players from the field for the third and final time in a day when only 38 overs were possible.
Southee was given a pounding in his first three overs of the morning and was removed from the attack after yielding 32 runs. 
But he came back to wrap up the tail and finish with figures of 6-80, his third-best bowling performance.
“There was still a bit of swing at that stage and I went back to what we’ve done well for a number of years,” Southee said of his successful second spell.
“You’ve got plans you put in place for certain batsmen and it’s nice when they do come off.
“There’s a little bit there for the new ball, but once the ball gets older it gets a little bit easier to bat but there will still be a little bit of assistance throughout.”
While the 54-Test veteran headlined the New Zealand bowling performance, it was Azam in only his third Test who brought Pakistan back into the game. 
The 22-year-old was considered a special talent at age-group level and announced himself on the international stage last month with three consecutive centuries in Pakistan’s one-day series against the West Indies. 
He followed with a 69 in his Test debut against the West Indies and looked set for his maiden Test hundred when the Pakistan innings ended in Hamilton.
Azam also drew praise from Southee who said the way he handled the seaming conditions was promising for Pakistan.

 

6-star Southee keeps NZ in front of Pakistan

AFP, HAMILTON (NEW ZEALAND): Tim Southee bagged six wickets as New Zealand took a 55-run lead over Pakistan on a rain-shortened third day of the second Test in Hamilton on Sunday. Only rookie batsman Babar Azam was able to cope with New Zealands chief strike bowler and he was left stranded on 90 after running out of partners as Pakistan fought their way back into the match. Pakistan, after resuming the day on the ropes at 76-5, clawed their way to 216 in reply to New Zealands first innings 271. New Zealand only faced one dot ball in their second innings before rain sent the players from the field for the third and final time in a day when only 38 overs were possible. Southee was given a pounding in his first three overs of the morning and was removed from the attack after yielding 32 runs. But he came back to wrap up the tail and finish with figures of 6-80, his third-best bowling performance. There was still a bit of swing at that stage and I went back to what weve done well for a number of years, Southee said of his successful second spell. Youve got plans you put in place for certain batsmen and its nice when they do come off. Theres a little bit there for the new ball, but once the ball gets older it gets a little bit easier to bat but there will still be a little bit of assistance throughout. While the 54-Test veteran headlined the New Zealand bowling performance, it was Azam in only his third Test who brought Pakistan back into the game. The 22-year-old was considered a special talent at age-group level and announced himself on the international stage last month with three consecutive centuries in Pakistans one-day series against the West Indies. He followed with a 69 in his Test debut against the West Indies and looked set for his maiden Test hundred when the Pakistan innings ended in Hamilton. Azam also drew praise from Southee who said the way he handled the seaming conditions was promising for Pakistan.