Although cricket tests are scheduled for five days, the Black Caps are seldom out there for that long. But today, they step onto the field to participate in one of the rarest of beast; a test match which is finely poised heading into the last day.
Pakistan needs 274 to win at the Basin Reserve; the Black Caps need 10 wickets. In the latter stages of yesterday batting was difficult. Part-time spinner Mohammed Hafeez was spinning the ball prodigiously, and Umar Gul had the ball reverse-swinging for the first time in the match as the pitch dried out.
Much will depend on the attitude of the Pakistanis. If they are defensive minded, they will give New Zealand a sniff. One batsman could take the game away from New Zealand with a commanding performance. But as we know, only the Black Caps have a greater propensity for self-destruction than the Pakistanis! If the Black Caps can apply enough pressure, the series can yet be tied.
Much will depend on Dan Vettori and Chris Martin. Martin needs just three wickets to bring his test tally to 200. And it's been a long time since Vettori bowled New Zealand to victory on the last day of a match. He's not a big turner of the ball, relying on variations in pace and flight, but he will never have better conditions to bowl at home than what faces him today. Vettori must lead from the front today.
A fascinating day beckons.
2 comments:
I actually think outhee may be more potent than Martin - he is a wicket taker and getting a 20plus not out will boost his confidence.
Can Vettori get 10 wickets in a test?
I will follow the first session with interest and NZ can be thankful the Paki's have no Inzaman al Haq - even if he was worth a couple of run out chances.
Agreed, a fascinating day awaits.
I think there can only be two results: A NZ win or a draw. I do not think the Pakis will win, for various reasons which I won't go into now (no time).
Watch out for Arnell and maybe Guptill to star with the ball. Vettori is one of the worst spin bowlers in the world in fourth innings stats. Can he reverse this today? My pick is Pakis will end on about 245-255 for loss of 8 wickets, or theeabouts and it will be a draw.
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