‘Playing every ball on merit’ key as Pakistan look to save first Test

Pakistan’s top-order batsman Azhar Ali believes that playing every ball on merit is important as the visitors look to avoid defeat in the first Test against New Zealand.  

Pacer Tim Southee snared his milestone 300th wicket as the home side edged closer to victory over Pakistan at stumps on day four in Mount Maunganui on Tuesday.

New Zealand declared their second innings at 180 for five and Pakistan, set an difficult target of 373, will go into the final day at 71 for three. Azhar will resume on 34 with, left-hander, Fawad Alam on 21.

“We have to play every ball on merit. Losing three wickets doesn’t help, if we were one down it would have been an entirely different situation altogether. But we will try and score as many runs as possible and see where it goes,” said Azhar during the post-match press conference.   

He also believes that pitch is similar to what they play on in Asia on the fifth day of a Test match.

“This pitch is now exactly how the pitches become on the fifth day of Tests in Asia,” he said. “Spinners get more bounce on such pitches and they will get even more on the fifth day but New Zealand are still relying on their pacers.”

He was also confident about saving the Test match despite the challenging conditions.

“To bat on the fifth day of a Test match is always challenging and playing shots on this wicket has already become difficult. But Fawad and I will try and play as long as possible because the pitch is such that once you get set, you can also play out the entire day,” he said. “The first session tomorrow will be important.”

The Black Caps need to sweep the two-Test series if they are to be in contention to make the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June.