A narrow save.

FOR 21 deliveries, the whole of Pakistan held its breath. After the opening match in the two-match Test series had ended in a draw, New Zealand were a wicket away from winning the second Test. But, in fading light at Karachi's National Stadium, Pakistan's tailenders Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed would defy New Zealand to end this home season with a draw. Had Sarfraz Ahmed, making a comeback after four years on the sidelines of the playing XI, not scored a magnificent century in Pakistan's fourth innings, it wouldn't have even got that close. It was a face-saving draw under thrilling circumstances, but the reality is that it means Pakistan are now winless in eight Tests at home having earlier lost three-Test series to both Australia and England. That fact was not lost on captain Babar Azam, who admitted that his side had not met expectations. Pakistan don't have another Test at home this year and it remains to be seen what the shape of the side is when they next play a game in the longest format of cricket.

Pakistan cricket is at a crossroads since the recent upheaval...