BLACKCAPS top order batsmen Tim McIntosh and Daniel Flynn got some valuable batting practice as the three day warm up match against Pakistan ended in a tame draw at Queenstown Events Centre.
Pakistan had a slender first innings advantage but with both teams batting a full day there wasn’t enough time for a result.
McIntosh looked comfortable against the pace and spin of the Pakistani attack finishing with an unbeaten on 131 at the end of the day. Renowned for his staunch defence, McIntosh went against his natural instincts and hit 16 boundaries and finished with a strike rate of 66.83.
The only wickets to fall for New Zealand were Craig Cumming for 16 and Flynn who hit a patient 56.
The three match Test series starts next week in Dunedin on Tuesday 24th November.
Day 2: New Zealand Invitation XI 24 for one trail Pakistan by 28 runs
Pakistan batted for most of the second day in the warm up match against the New Zealand Invitational XI at Queenstown.
Starting the day on 14 for one the tourists took their score through to 286. The majority of the runs came from opener Inram Farhat who made 52 and number three batsman Fawad Alam who top scored with 77.
The wickets were shared around with Daryl Tuffey, Iain O’Brien, Tim Southee and spinner Tarun Nethula all picking up two wickets.
Auckland spinner Nethula who is new to the New Zealand set up is thrilled to be out on the park. Speaking after the match he commented, “It’s a good challenge. Everyone knows they (Pakistan) play spin really well. I’m just enjoying being out here.”
New Zealand lost Craig Cumming for 16 to finish the day on 24 for one.
It is the last day tomorrow with the three Test series starting next week in Dunedin.
Day 1: Pakistan 14 for one, trail New Zealand Invitation XI by 220
The Pakistani bowlers dismissed the New Zealand Invitational XI for 234 on the first day of the three day warm up match at Queenstown Events Centre.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat but were in trouble early losing their first four wickets for 60 before a 52 run partnership between Daniel Flynn and James Franklin steadied the innings.
Incumbent Test player Flynn grafted 49 with Franklin hitting 43 to stake his claim for the BLACKAPS all-rounders spot.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Reece Young was the only other player to make an impression with the bat hitting 75 to be the teams leading runs scorer.
The Pakistan bowling line up full of fringe players will be pleased with their days work. Seamer Abdur Rauf was the best of the attack picking up four for 43 with Mohammad Asif, Yasir Arafat, and Danish Kaneria taking two apiece.
Tim Southee took the wicket of opener Khurram Manzoor late in the day for 1. Imran Farhat (10) and Fawad Alam (0) will resume tomorrow for Pakistan.
