Yasir Shah
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Yasir Shah: Spin storm wreaks havoc in Dubai

Alvina Ahmed·
Test
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After a thrilling four run victory in the first Test, New Zealand were left Shah-struck in the second match…

Pakistan’s second Test match against New Zealand began with them winning the toss and electing to bat first. After losing the first match by only four runs, this was Pakistan’s chance to level the series. Centuries by Haris Sohail and Babar Azam helped the team set up a total of 418-5 before declaring their innings. New Zealand managed to have a good start with the bat, setting up a 50-run opening stand. However, a good start was all they could manage. The whole New Zealand team collapsed 40 runs later due to Yasir Shah and his spectacular bowling spell.

This was the second time in Test history that a team lost 10 wickets for 40 runs or less after scoring 50 without loss. Coincidentally (or not), Pakistan were the bowling side on both occasions with New Zealand at the other end. The last time this happened was in 2001 when New Zealand went from 91-0 to 131 all-out in Auckland.

Yasir Shah emerged as the hero on day three as his spin ripped the Kiwi batting line-up apart. Yasir managed career-best Test figures of 8-41 as New Zealand collapsed for 90 and were forced to follow-on. Before the close of the day, Shah managed to complete his 10-wicket haul as he bagged two more wickets. The spinner also became the first bowler to complete 100 wickets in UAE. At the end of day three, Tom Latham and Ross Taylor, both nearing half centuries, were set at the crease.

Resuming on 131-2 on the fourth day, New Zealand did try to make things tough for Pakistan as Taylor scored 82, followed by Nicholls’ 77. Even so, Pakistan were hell-bent on extracting revenge for the first Test. Medium-pacer Hasan Ali took 3-46 while Shah continued with his extraordinary performance. The 32 year-old managed figures of 6-143 in the second innings, taking 14 wickets in the match and leaving the visitors Shah-struck.

Soon after tea on the fourth day, the Black Caps were bowled out for 312. Pakistan grabbed a comprehensive victory – winning by an innings and 16 runs – to level the series 1-1. Unsurprisingly, Yasir was awarded the man of the match award for his splendid 14-184.

Yasir Shah has now become only the second Pakistani bowler to take 14 wickets in a Test match. The only other Pakistani to have accomplished this feat is Imran Khan. Shah’s figures of 14-184 are also the third best bowling figures by a leg-spinner and the best by any bowler against New Zealand in Test cricket. The man-in-form now has 195 wickets in 32 Tests. Shah can become the fastest to 200 wickets in Tests if he can get five more wickets in his next three Tests. Clarrie Grimmett, who did it in 36 matches, currently holds the record.

Pakistan’s third Test against New Zealand begins on 3rd December, with the management deciding to retain their 15-member squad for the match. Will we see another heroic performance from Yasir Shah? Let’s hope he’s able to spin Pakistan to a morale-boosting series win over the Black Caps.