Andrew Alderson breaks down the best bits from the second day of the second test between the Black Caps and Pakistan in Dubai.
Important moment:
Brendon McCullum's declaration at 250 for nine, leaving the perfect bait of 261 for Pakistan to get in 72 overs. With the sun setting earlier as the Arab winter nears, and the umpires enthusiastic to get out their light meters throughout the test, he needed to give his bowlers as much time as possible to attack. Being a Friday, the revered day of the week in the UAE, added further urgency because lunch is extended an hour for prayers.
Best shot:
The straight six Shan Masood delivered off Mark Craig in the 22nd over of the chase. He used his feet and necks had to craned as the ball travelled into the stand. The stroke's crispness was highlighted in slow-mo when the bat showed no trace of twisting in his hands.
Ball of the day:
Yasir Shah tossing the ball up to have century-maker Ross Taylor stumped. Pitched around off and beat the outside edge as Taylor overbalanced. Sarfraz Ahmed showed he can be as sharp with the gloves as he can with the bat with millimetres to spare.
That's quirky:
Sections of the crowd were filling by the over towards the end and they were in full voice (even for New Zealand successes). Approximately 8,000 arrived by the end, about 10 times the attendances on previous days. The ideal way to see out the afternoon after Friday prayers on a day off in the UAE. Still, revenue was the same; 0 dirhams. Attendance was free.
