Pakistan A earn steady draw with New Zealand

Sharjah: Pakistan A’s top order batsmen played confidently to ensure a draw against New Zealand on the final day of their three-day tour match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

New Zealand, who had declared their first innings at 244 for eight after taking a lead of 29 runs, picked up a wicket late on the second day to put pressure on Pakistan.

But their plans of running their batting line-up failed as opener Sami Aslam and Abid Ali put on 49 for the second wicket.

Mark Craig removed Aslam for 31, before Doug Bracewell bowled Abid Ali for 33 with the score on 84.

Haris Sohail and Babar Azam, who also batted brilliantly against Australia at Sharjah, played confidently as they put on an unbeaten 69 for the fourth wicket.

Sohail remained unbeaten on 40 off 107 balls with five boundaries and a six, while Azam remained unconquered on 34 off 59 balls with six hits to the boundary.

New Zealand bowled 55 overs on the final day but could get only two wickets and opted for a draw. Pakistan finished on 153 for three.

After the match, New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner said: “Corey Anderson showed a lot of good stuff with the bat. It’s always tough in a warm-up game because you are trying a few things and testing a few methods. We’ve got a lot of positives, with Ish Sodhi getting his five-for and the spinners doing really well.

“Obviously it was a real plus for us seeing all our boys doing well. So it just shows the depth in the camp at the moment and that’s really good to see.”

The New Zealand team now leave for Abu Dhabi to take on Pakistan in the first Test starting on Sunday.