Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2nd Test: Was prepared for function as 2nd spinner, says Agha Salman

Pakistan vs New Zealand: Pakistan dropped left-arm spinner Nauman Ali and introduced in an additional pacer for the 2nd Test. Agha Salman, who was handed the function of a 2nd spinner, responded nicely by choosing up 3 wickets on Day 1.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 2, 2023 19:56 IST

Agha Salman picked up 3 wickets on Day 1 of the 2nd Karachi Test (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Pakistan’s Agha Salman turned out to be their unlikely hero with the ball on Day 1 of the 2nd Test in opposition to New Zealand because the part-time off-spinner picked up 3 wickets, main the hosts’ fightback. Pakistan backed the off-spinner to play the function of a second spinner on the National Stadium pitch that had extra grass than the primary Test.

Pakistan dropped left-arm spinner Nauman Ali and opted to deliver again Hasan Ali in a three-man tempo assault. While Abrar Ahmed was anticipated to do the injury, the thriller spinner, who has had a sensational begin to Test cricket, had an off day, conceding greater than 100 runs in 24 overs on the opening day.

New Zealand have been dominant with the bat within the fist two classes, taking their complete to 226 for 1 at Tea. Opener Tom Latham hit 71 earlier than was prized out by Naseem Shah however Devon Conway went on to attain his 4th Test hundred and stitched a 100-run stand for the 2nd wicket with former captain Kane Williamson.

PAK vs NZ, 2nd Test Day 1 highlights

Just when it appeared like New Zealand would head to the top of the day’s play with an enormous rating on the board, part-timer Agha Salman made good use of the flip that was on supply from a dried up Karachi pitch. He broke the partnership, getting the large scalp of Conway, who was out caught behind for 122.

He then eliminated the damaging Daryl Mitchell (3) with one which turned sharply and sneaked by means of the hole between the right-hander’s bat and pads. Salman snapped his third wicket of the day when he eliminated Henry Nicholls after a profitable evaluate for caught behind.

“I knew there could be a responsibility on me as a second spinner for which I was ready,” Salman mentioned New Zealand went to Stumps at 306 for 9.

“The wicket had a bite (for spinners) after tea as it got dried up and it troubled them.”

‘PITCH WILL TURN MORE’

New Zealand misplaced 5 wickets for simply 25 runs within the third session earlier than wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell steadied the ship.

Agha Salman believes the pitch for the 2nd Test will begin to supply much more to the spinners, not like the primary Test the place bowlers struggled in Karachi.

Pakistan have been pressured to play each the Tests of the collection in Karachi resulting from climate points in Multan.

“I try to contribute as much as possible when I get the chance to bowl,” Salman, who hit 100 within the first innings of the primary Test, added.

“I think as the Test progresses, the wicket will begin to turn, because I feel it has more bite than it did in the first Test.”

Published On:

Jan 2, 2023