Pakistan vs. New Zealand in UAE (3 Tests, 2 T20, 5 ODI)

[The Speaker]

New Zealand line-ups are so weird. Three wicketkeepers (Latham, McCullum, Watling), two pace bowlers (Boult, Southee), one spinner (Sodhi), one pace bowling all-rounder (Anderson), three spin bowling all-rounders (Craig, Vettori, Williamson), and one specialist batsman (Taylor).

They've always been like that though. Personally I think it's part of the fun.

 

[Damon_3388]

They've always been like that though. Personally I think it's part of the fun.

Yeah I know, I always just find it funny how bits-and-pieces their teams seem to be. Small population and talent pool probably forces their players to try their hand at all aspects of the game, rather than specialising.

 

[The_Reaper]

Yeah I know, I always just find it funny how bits-and-pieces their teams seem to be. Small population and talent pool probably forces their players to try their hand at all aspects of the game, rather than specialising.

I think the same thing is why South Africa historically produces so many allrounders

 

[Doodlesweaver]

Yeah I know, I always just find it funny how bits-and-pieces their teams seem to be. Small population and talent pool probably forces their players to try their hand at all aspects of the game, rather than specialising.

Also means that they stick with players and give them a proper run before dumping them. Or so it seems to me.

 

[The GOAT]

Painful to watch. It's pretty clear the players have been affected by the Phil Hughes tragedy, and would rather not be out there. Game should be called off IMO.

 

[JUBJUB]

Anyone notice Younis Khan applaud Williamson when he got his 50 ?
I thought it was a nice touch,as he'd obviously seen him struggling to control his emotions in the first session.
Opposition don't normally applaud a player getting 50.

 

[The_Reaper]

Anyone notice Younis Khan applaud Williamson when he got his 50 ?
I thought it was a nice touch,as he'd obviously seen him struggling to control his emotions in the first session.
Opposition don't normally applaud a player getting 50.

Younis Khan has always handled himself with class.

I recall how he handled himself after the Sri Lankan team got shot at

 

[BACCS]

Craig was very impressive, 7-94 in only his 3rd or 4th Test. NZ have a good spin combo going forward with he and Sodhi.

That was the flattest day of Test cricket there will ever be, just going through the motions to make sure the game was played.

 

[swans95]

Weird quirk in the match. New Zealand with 281 runs after 50 overs (good enough to win an ODI), each of the main bowlers having bowled 10 overs each.

 

[Buzzasto DaSilva]

McCullum and Williamson are batting amazingly here. Obviously the situation is unheard of and we will never see a test like this one- their aggression with a controlled intent is inspiring to watch.

Feel for the Pakistani's and everyone involved with this test.

 

[Sprout]

Double ton to McCullum which of course he brings up with a six. 4th fastest in test history.

 

[Sprout]

Aaaaaand he's out.

 

[Super Hans]

Williamson is something special, wish he was born on our side of the Tasman

 

[DrVanNostrand]

Given the circumstances, McCullum's 202 was one of the great innings of the 21st Century. Complete and utter destruction of an attack that has been all over them this series, with his players struggling to cope with recent events. Outstanding leader, and NZ will do some pretty nifty things during what will be a lengthy tenure as skipper. When he gave up the gloves circa 2009, he averaged about 30 in Tests. That'll be well over 40 by the time he retires. Bring on the World Cup.

 

[DrVanNostrand]

492/4. 100 overs. RR 4.92.

 

[frankrizzo]

Man that first session yesterday was one of the more surreal and sad things i have ever seen in sport, feeling such sympathy for blokes who took 6 wickets in a session and then scored at 6 an over for the day.

 

[Fat Nyfe]

I like how the Kiwi's have said their minds aren't even on the test at all, yet they're still completely annihilating the Paki's, heh.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

I like how the Kiwi's have said their minds aren't even on the test at all, yet they're still completely annihilating the Paki's, heh.

Don't think, do.

 

[DrVanNostrand]

Got a feeling Vettori will officially retire from Tests after tomorrow. His folks flew in from NZ after day one, that's gotta be a sign.

Hope they just go out this morning and flog it for half an hour, get bowled out or declare and have a crack at them. Lots and lots of time left. Without wanting to sound heartless, hope there's a bit more energy in the field compared to the other day, as this is a huge chance of pulling off a Test win against ridiculous odds. Obviously easier said than done, McCullum said yesterday the boys are really feeling it

 

[Kram]

Pointless batting on here imo.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Pointless batting on here imo.

2 days left....get 400 ahead then declare. Have a bash now.

 

[BACCS]

Pointless batting on here imo.

Not really. It's over now anyway, but might as well build up a massive lead and have a huge amount of time to bowl them out.

 

[Smartys Power]

I think NZ were really determined to bat for as long as possible. McCullum said that they are really hurting and do not care about their performance right now. So I think they were prepared to just keep batting and batting and batting.

Just what I think.

 

[frankrizzo]

Why was it pointless to bat on?

if you think you might need the 5+ sessions to bowl a side out you surely need more than a 280-300 run lead?

Better to get those extra runs in the first dig than having to get them batting last late on day 5.

 

[Pera]

Trent Boult is a beauty.