KARACHI: Pakistan bounced back to overcome a two-goal deficit and draw the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday.
The Green-shirts trail the 5-match series 0-1.
Pakistan applied early pressure and earned a penalty corner in the 3rd minute. Aleem Bilal’s push was well stopped by the goalkeeper, who also cleared the rebound.
After seeing off Pakistan’s offense in the first seven minutes, the black sticks recovered and soon had an excellent chance. A good cut back from the goal-line was misfired by a well-placed forward in the Pakistani circle.
An even contest ensued as Pakistan employed good aerial balls. In the 23rd minute, New Zealand were a goal up through their first penalty corner. Sam Lane’s forceful push thundered onto the left side of the board.
In the dying minutes of the first half, Pakistan won back-to-back penalty corners but failed to capitalise.
The greenshirts were again out of the blocks quickly and garnered two PCs in the first four minutes. Aleem Bilal’s high flick was well palmed away by the custodian. Then an indirect variation failed.
The hosts made a few raids and a blunder by a Pakistan defender handed the ball to an opponent who passed it to Mac Wilcox. Wilcox beautifully side stepped a player before unleashing an angular top of the circle carpet shot.
But it was all even soon after. On their fourth PC, instead of Aleem Bilal, debutant Abu Bakr was given a chance and he did not disappoint with a superb low flick left of the net miner.
Second goal was scored by captain Haseem Khan, who capped in a wonderful right side move with a first time touch.
Having wasted a two goal lead, New Zealand began the last quarter exerting great pressure. They entered the circle a few times but the Pakistani defence held out.