Friday, January 6th, 2023

WORCESTERSHIRE SIGNING BRACEWELL AMONGST WICKETS ON SEE-SAW FINAL DAY IN KARACHI

Worcestershire 2023 signing Michael Bracewell played a significant role with the ball as New Zealand were involved in a see-saw final day to the second Test with Pakistan in Karachi.

The off-spinner picked up four crucial wickets, including Pakistan captain Babar Azam and century-maker Sarfaraz Ahmed, as Pakistan attempted to chase down a 319 target after resuming on 0-2.

It followed on from a maiden Test half-century yesterday for Bracewell, who is playing for the Rapids in the Vitality Blast this summer.

But a dramatic final day ended with Pakistan on 304-9 with bad light stopping play and the game ending in an exciting draw.

Bracewell struck in successive overs to remove Babar Azam and Shan Masood and reduce Pakistan to 80-5.

Babar (27) was caught by keeper Tom Latham down the legside, and then Shan Masood (35) toe-ended a catch to Kane Williamson at mid-off.

New Zealand were then held up by century-maker Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel, who added 123 before Bracewell made another breakthrough.

Saud Shakeel, having batted 146 balls for 32 runs, was undone by a delivery of turn and bounce and Daryl Mitchell, at slip, held onto a sharp reflex catch.

Pakistan were then 203-6, but Agha Salman (30) helped Sarfaraz add a further 70 for the seventh wicket.

Sarfaraz Ahmed completed a 135-ball century, but he became Bracewell’s fourth victim.

After making 118, he was caught at leg slip after trying to flick a delivery off his pads.

Pakistan were then 287-9, but the last pair survived 21 deliveries before the game was halted, and the two teams shook hands.

Bracewell had final figures of 20-2-75-4.