Farhat stands tall as O’Brien runs through Pakistan

By Rahul Bajaj
for Cricketain.com

Published: December 11, 2009

commentComment     Email This Post Email This Post     Printable version

Farhat stands tall as O’Brien runs through Pakistan thumbnail

Napier: Imran Farhat stood tall amidst the ruins as New Zealand pacers ran through the Pakistan batting line-up, bowling them out for 223 on the opening day of the third and deciding test at Napier.

Farhat not only scored his third test century but also carried his bat throughout the innings, remaining unbeaten on 117 which included 14 boundaries and a six. He saved Pakistan from embarrassment since at one stage it seemed like they will be bowled out under 100. Ian O’Brien, playing in his final test match before he moves to England to pursue his county cricket career, ran through the rest of the Pakistan batting, ending with figures of 4-35. In fact, such was his dominance on the opening morning, that at one point his figures read 4.2-4-3-3.

Pakistan skipper Mohammad Yousuf won the toss and opted to bat on what seemed like a perfectly fine batting wicket. But, like we have seen on numerous occasions, Pakistan batsmen were in a mood for self destruction. Pakistan soon slid to 90-6 before Farhat’s spectacular counterattack helped Pakistan reach a respectable score.

Tim Southee started it for the Kiwis when he castled Salman Butt for nine, before the O’Brien show started. O’Brien first dismissed Faisal Iqbal (6) caught at gully off a sharp rising delivery. He then went on to dismiss Mohammad Yousuf, the in-form Umar Akmal and Misbah-ul-Haq – all three for ducks.

However, Farhat continued his onslaught from the other end, bringing up his half-century after lunch. Some useful contributions from Kamran Akmal (22), Mohammad Aamer (23) and Umar Gul (24) helped the left-handed opener to raise his third century in Test cricket.

Towards the end of the innings, No.11 Danish Kaneria’s scored an entertaining 16, taking Pakistan past 200 before Daryl Tuffey finished off the Pakistan innings, the lanky pacer returning with figures of 4-52.

Farhat, who was among the banned players for playing in the unofficial Indian Cricket League, has recently returned to the Pakistan Test team after breaking his ties with the rebel ICL.

At stumps on Day 1, New Zealand had reached 47 for no loss with openers Tin McIntosh (31 not out) and Bradley Walting (13 not out) putting together their highest opening partnership of the series.

The three-test series is currently tied at 1-1 with New Zealand winning the first Test in Dunedin before Pakistan bounced back to level the series at Wellington.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand 47 for 0 trail Pakistan 223 (Farhat 117*, O’Brien 4-35, Tuffey 4-52) by 176 runs

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,


WPSN comments




Related News Headlines

Cricketain Latest