Pakistan v New Zealand, 2nd Test, Day 1, Dubai International Stadium
Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail scored 81 each to help Pakistan manage 207/4 at stumps on Day 1 of the Second Test against New Zealand. Grandhomme was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors with 2/31
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat. Both teams fielded unchanged elevens from the first Test in Abu Dhabi.
New Zealand drew first blood through Colin de Grandhomme as he dismissed Mohammad Hafeez. The pacer struck again as he handed the marching orders to Imam-ul-Haq. Pakistan, as a result, were reduced to 25/2.
Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail got together and averted further damage. The men in green headed into the Lunch interval at 56/2.
After the respite, Azhar Ali upped the ante and completed his half-century.
Sohail, in contrast, remained cautious. The second session, in comparison to the first, yielded runs at a better run-rate.
Both players added 68 to the score, without any loss, as the score moved to 124/2.
The third session saw Haris Sohail complete his half-century, one of the slowest by a Pakistani in a while, off 177 balls.
The milestone was followed up by a mix-up between Azhar and Haris. The confusion led to Azhar's exit from the middle, as he was run-out.
Unfortunately for him Azhar couldn't complete what would've been his first century in 16 innings.
Asad Shafiq was the next to make his way back to the hut. He miscued one off Ejaz Patel and was caught in the point region.
Pakistan finished the day at 2017/4 with Babar & Haris at the crease.
New Zealand have a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
