A Pakistan Vs New Zealand match ended in a draw on Day 5 as fading lights interfered with the play which was heading to the results. Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam said they wanted results and that the declaration was brave.
Chasing a target of 137 runs, Kiwis scared the hosts at one instance, but in the end, Babar Azam had a sigh of relief when the match was decided to be called off at the score of 61/1.
Explaining his decision in a post-match presentation, Azam said, “Definitely a brave declaration. We wanted to see a result; the light was not good enough. Our fifth bowler was Salman, but after the first innings he was not well, he was sick for two days. I do not think we were a bowler short. The way Saud and Wasim Jr played, credit to them for playing positive cricket and getting up that partnership.”
Previously, Pakistan declared their inning at 311 runs after losing 8 wickets. Babar Azam took a chance that turned out to be scary for his team. However, what came out of nowhere was Azam declaring the inning at a score of 311.
Kiwis came out to bat chasing a target of 138 runs in 15 overs which looked possible seeing the quality of cricket the players play in the shortest format of the game. Devon Convoy and Tom Latham came out to bat and showed their intentions clearly. But the fading light interrupted the match and the match had to be drawn eventually.