Subtle changes work wonders for Yasir Shah in Abu Dhabi Test

Sport360 staff 19:21 16/11/2018
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  • Yasir Shah snared three wickets.

    Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah regained his touch on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

    Shah looked off-colour in the two-Test series against Australia and it was the brilliance of seamer Mohammad Abbas that had saved the day for the hosts against a spirited Aussies.

    Against New Zealand, the pressure was on Shah to maintain his position as the premier red-ball leggie in Pakistan and he took on the challenge, picking up three wickets to help the hosts take control in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

    Pakistan bowled out the Black Caps for just 153 runs on the first day of the Test. Shah took 3-54 while Mohammad Abbas, Haris Sohail and Hasan Ali all took two apiece as only captain Kane Williamson (63) offered any resistance for New Zealand.

    Pakistan’s reply did not begin too well as opening batsmen Imam-ul-Haq (six) and Mohammad Hafeez (20) both departed with the score on 27, with Williamson taking the catches.

    Haris (22) and Azhar Ali (10) remained not out as Pakistan reached 59 for two by stumps, 94 runs behind.

    Yasir had started things off in the first session with the wickets of opener Tom Latham (13) and Ross Taylor (two) in his first spell. The leg-spinner revealed a change in strategy worked for him.

    “I was just trying to bowl a bit slower and with flight,” said Yasir. “I was not getting wickets after coming back from injury so all went well for me.

    “Now we should build a big lead as, I believe, the pitch was easing out and batting will not be tough.”

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