Dhaka – The second test between New Zealand and Pakistan remained in the balance at lunch on the final day Tuesday as Pakistan openers Sami Aslam and Azhar Ali batted through a first session in which only 75 runs were scored.Pakistan began the day at 1-0 after three overs in its second innings, chasing 369 to beat New Zealand and level the two-match
series. At lunch Aslam was 32, Azhar was 36 and Pakistan was 76-0, still 293 runs from that victory target,AP/UNB News Reported.The Pakistan openers denied New Zealand the early breakthroughs needed to push for victory and a series cleansweep after its seven-wicket win in the first test at Christchurch.
Despite their relatively slow progress – the 75 runs were added in 36 overs in an extended, 2-1/2 hour session – their ability to keep all 10 wickets intact gave Pakistan a platform from which to launch a bid for victory in the last two sessions.With a minimum of 98 overs to be bowled on the final day, Pakistan at least 62 overs left to score the 293 runs it needs for victory at a run-rate of 4.73.Aslam had taken his 32 runs from 122 balls, and new captain Azhar his 36 from 113 deliveries.Their patience suggested a draw is still the most likely result. A draw would give New Zealand its first victory in 12 test series against Pakistan; its first at home in eight series since 1985.New Zealand’s biggest hope for a wicket in the first session came two overs before lunch when Colin de Grandhomme had a strong lbw appeal against Aslam turned down. Captain Kane Williamson, after wasting a review earlier in the day, hesitated and took longer than the 10 seconds allowed to call for a review.Replays showed the ball pitched just outside off stump and was going on to hit middle.
