As you all know, the 2022/23 New Zealand tour of Pakistan is underway and the tour began with the longest format of the game. Cricket has returned to Pakistan after years and we were happy to see some enthralling cricket being played in the 2 Tests scheduled between them, both being played at the National Stadium in Karachi, and both ending in 5-day thrillers.
But in both games, we saw a common theme where both teams played well, and New Zealand managed to find the edge on Day 5 and in particular, the final session of the last day. And in both games where a result could’ve gone the way of the visitors, umpire Aleem Dar decided to pull out the light meters and call it a ‘DRAW”, snatching victory from the Kiwis in both scenarios.
Aleem Dar saved Pakistan vs New Zealand?
In the 1st Test at Karachi, Pakistan scored 438 and was greeted with 612/9 decl. by New Zealand in return. In the 2nd innings, Pakistan pulled out a surprising declaration at 311/8, leaving New Zealand a little over 100 to chase in 14-15 overs. It was a gutsy and ballsy declaration but it almost backfired as the Kiwis hit 61/1 in 7.3 overs and were on their way to go 1-0 up in the Test series.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Test Series 2022-2023 Won By :-
Pakistan:- 0
New Zealand:- 0
Aleem Dar ( Pakistani) :- 2#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/0pPiGwFZER— Sir BoiesX 🕯 (@BoiesX45) January 6, 2023
Karachi stadium according to Aleem dar #PAKvNZ #testcricket #PakvsNz pic.twitter.com/ZABUK7xEXn
— _Dúck_🦆 (@_I_QuAcK_) January 6, 2023
However, umpires Aleem Dar and Alex Wharf had other ideas as they pulled out the light meters and decided it was too dark for play to go on, thus leading to the players shaking hands and well, leaving the visitors a bit red-faced. While light was quickly declining, we don’t believe they were unplayable conditions, and thus a lot of questions were raised over that decision to draw the game.
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Then, a similar story took place in the 2nd Test at the same venue. Another flat pitch was prepared and both teams got 400+ totals in their respective 1st innings efforts, with New Zealand claiming a 41-run lead as well. They batted against and declared at 277/5 in the 2nd innings, setting Pakistan 319 runs to win in a little over a day’s time.
Going into Day 5, all three results were possible with 8 wickets needed for New Zealand to win and claim the series as well. The game kept going from side to side and in the final session, 15 runs were needed in 3 overs with 1 wicket left in the bank. All three results still possible till the last minute and once again, the light had a role to play.
India -Rohit Sharma
England- Joe Root
Australia- Steve Smith
Pakistan-Aleem DarWhen the team is in trouble, the main man is always there for his country. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mnaM7Yd3gj
— Jyran⚘ (@Jyran45) January 6, 2023
Aleem Dar welcome be like after saving test cricket from New Zealand 😅#PAKvNZ #AleemDar #testcricket pic.twitter.com/Q0AQJI444A
— Ashutosh Srivastava 🇮🇳 (@sri_ashutosh08) January 6, 2023
Well played Aleem Dar.
What a performance.. #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/uDjEvbRQHT— Happy  (@oyehappy) January 6, 2023
It seemed like both teams wouldn’t have minded playing a bit longer. New Zealand was definitely disappointed as the light meter was whipped out by Dar once again, and the game was called a draw again. They didn’t even want to shake hands with the Pakistan players and accept that they had missed another victory by the narrowest of margins, as they would’ve backed themselves to get that final wicket needed.
Jokes emerged on social media immediately, some called Aleem Dar the Man of the Series, other applauding his decision, while many others ridiculing it. For similar sports news and updates from around the world, stay tuned to ReadScoops.com.
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