Pakistan captain Babar Azam has shown his determination to end the year on a high note by scoring a century against New Zealand on the first day of the Boxing Day Test. The Kiwis took four wickets from Pakistan in the first session, but Babar and Sarfaraz completely dominated the second session. The third session of the first day of the Karachi Test is now underway. At the time of writing, Pakistan's total was 231 for four.
The first day of the first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand began at 11:30 am Bangladesh time in Karachi. After Wagner and Saudi bowled one over each, the new ball was handed over to the spinners. And Aijaz Patel and Michael Bracewell did not disappoint the new Kiwi Test captain Tim Saudi. These two spinners sent Abdullah Shafiq, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq to the dressing room within 48 runs. Then, the bowling attack took Saud Shakeel.
Babar's resistance started building after that. Although the entire morning session was dominated by the Kiwis, Pakistan took control of the session after the lunch break with the Babar-Sarfraz pair. Pakistan captain Babar Azam scored the 9th century of his Test career. Babar is unbeaten on 121 runs with 11 boundaries and 1 over-bound. Sarfraz Ahmed is at the crease giving him worthy support. After the fall of 4 wickets at the cost of 110 runs, these two batsmen added 121 runs to Pakistan's scoreboard.
The end of the year is not going well for Pakistan. Babar Azam is still carrying the scars of losing the Test series 3-0 to England at home. In the wake of the team's debacle, Ramiz Raja was sacked from the post of chairman and changes were made to the Pakistan Cricket Board's board of directors. However, captain Babar's determination to do well in the series was heard in his voice. This time, his reflection was also seen in his bat.
