Cricket News Highlights| Pakistan survive Day 5 as New Zealand settle for a draw in 1st Test

LIVE Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test: Thrilling draw between two sides

It was a draw, but there was nothing boring about it. a game that was controlled by bat for the first four days and was a snoozefest because to the flatness of the playing surface. Babar Azam's first innings century, Salman Agha's first century, and Sarfaraz Ahmed's announcement of his return to Test cricket with fifty runs in both innings are footnotes from those times. New Zealand's response was even greater than Pakistan's, who had piled up 438 runs in their opening innings. Their opening pair both scored fifty, and while Conway failed to convert, his partner Latham did really well. Then the ex-captain Kane Williamson joined the fun, batted endlessly to record his first 200-plus century away from New Zealand. Young Abrar had a fifer to show for the 195 overs that Pakistani bowlers battled in the field. NZ finished at 612/9 declared in the end.

LIVE Score PAK 438 & 311/8 d NZ 612/9 d & 61/1

LIVE Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test: Pakistan declare the innings

With all respect, Babar Azam made a rather audacious statement to keep the game going. That is one method of maintaining interest in Test cricket. The Pakistani openers blunted the new ball to start this innings until Shafique made a mistake and holed out to mid-on. Babar, Nauman Ali, and Shan Masood were cheaply out. Ish Sodhi made the most of the rough on the pitch by spinning some magic with his goggles. Sarfaraz and Imam were attacked by Pakistan in an effort to steady the ship, but Sodhi defeated both of them. Imam was four years short of his century, while Sarfaraz was just past his fifties. After that, Saud Shakeel blocked everything, putting Pakistan in a secure position and extending their lead. NZ must chase 138 in 14–15 overs.

LIVE Score PAK 438 & 311/8 d NZ 612/9 d & 2/0 (0.3) CRR: 4 Day 5: 3rd Session - New Zealand need 136 runs

LIVE Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test: Drinks Break

With 19 overs remaining in the match and drinks on the field, New Zealand will find it extremely difficult to secure a victory at this point. Shaud Shakeel played excellent batting; he put in the hard work early on by blocking and is now taking a few calculated risks. Mir Hamza deserves praise as well; he's successfully blocking everything! NZ must get a wicket in the next four to five overs to avoid early handshakes.

LIVE Score PAK 438 & 311/8 (103.2)   CRR: 3.01 Day 5: 3rd Session - Pakistan lead by 137 runs

LIVE Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test: PAK in deep trouble

Babar Azam's Pakistan cricket team might as well lose this game as they have just 103 runs lead with 2 wickets in hand. More than 30 overs are to be bowled in today's session and the game can be extended if there is a possibility of a result.

LIVE Score PAK 438 & 277/8 (90.5)  CRR: 3.05 Day 5: 3rd Session - Pakistan lead by 103 runs

LIVE Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 5: PAK 5 down

Imam-ul-Haq is inching towards century but he is running out of partners at the other end. 63 overs are left in the day and Pakistan have 27 runs lead with 5 wickets in hand. They will have to playout the day or else New Zealand will go all guns blazzing to achive the target.

LIVE Score PAK 438 & 201/5 (68)  CRR: 2.9 Day 5: 2nd Session - Pakistan lead by 27 runs

LIVE Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 5: PAK lose 4 wickets at Lunch

Pakistan has a seven-runs lead and is no longer in danger thanks to their teamwork. If there is one more batting session, this game will end in a tie. Imam and Sarfaraz had both batted well and accepted the available runs. In that session, Nauman Ali and Babar both lost their lives, but they have since made up for it. At that point, New Zealand was in the lead, but the pair counterattacked skillfully. The spinners will still be a concern after lunch because they have gained traction in the rough. Due to the fact that it is a Friday, we will have an extra-long lunch break for prayers. After the break, we will resume. The second session is now back.

LIVE Score PAK 438 & 181/4 (62)  CRR: 2.92 Day 5: Lunch Break - Pakistan lead by 7 runs

LIVE PAK vs NZ 1st Test Day 5: Pakistan 4 down

Pakistan lose quick wickets as they found themsleves at 146 for 4. Babar Azam is back in the dugout while Imam-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed have stiched a small partnership to steady their side.

LIVE Score NZ 612/9 d PAK 438 & 148/4 (51.4)  CRR: 2.86

Day 5: 1st Session - Pakistan trail by 26 runs

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st Test: Babar comes in

Pakistan have lost a wicket early on Day 5 with night watchman Nauman Ali back to the hut and captain Babar Azam has walked in at No 5. 

NZ 612/9 d

PAK 438 & 84/3 (34.5)

Pakistan trail by 90 runs

Pakistan vs New Zealand LIVE: Pak can still lose

Hello and welcome to live coverage of all cricket action on December 30. Pakistan are still trailing by 97 runs in the 2nd innings in the first Test vs New Zealand. They can even lose this game if New Zealand pick remaining 8 wickets under next 97 runs. An exciting Day 5 action beckons on Karachi Test. Watch this space for all live updates and score.