Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel and Imam ul Haq hit fighting half-centuries as first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand ends in an exciting draw.

On Friday, with 7.3 overs left in the day, umpires called it a game due to bad light as both teams head back to their dugout after handshakes with New Zealand were 61/1 still needing 77 to win.

Babar made an intelligent move by putting pacers on against on-song New Zealand batters under fading light at the National Bank Cricket Arena. The move turned out to be fruitful for Pakistan, as umpires after checking the light-meter ended the game as light was too dim for the game to continue.

This was only the second time in history that the hosts failed to win a single Test game at home. Last time it happened was in 1983, when India failed to win a single home Test.

Earlier, to add life in a dead game, Pakistan captain declared their second innings at 311/8 setting up a 138-run target for the visitors in the final 15 overs of the game.

Abara Ahmed picked the only New Zealand wicket, when he bowled Michael Bracewell (3).

Thought the day was dominated by New Zealand bowlers, who kept on taking wickets to give them a slim chance of winning the game.

They started the day by removing the nightwatchman Nauman Ali (four). They further tightened their grip on the game when Ish Sodhi trapped Babar Azam leg before wicket to reduce the hosts to 100/4.

However, at the stage, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed played a blinder to rescue Pakistan from a complete collapse.

He smashed quick 27 off just 20 balls to relive pressure from Pakistan and also anchored the innings to survive the session.

After the lunch, the wicketkeeper departed after scoring a brilliant 53. He was one of Sodi’s six wickets in the innings.

New Zealand found themselves back in the game again when they got Imam ul Haq stumped. Imam top scored for Pakistan with 96 as he batted for 321 minutes in the innings.

Centurion from the first innings, Agha Salma was bowled by Sodi to complete a five-wicket haul in his comeback Test.

At that stage Pakistan were 206/7. Saud Shakeel and all-rounder Mohammad Wasim made a vital 71-run stand for the eighth wicket to save the game.

Saud scored unbeaten 55, while Wasim made 43 – his career-best score.

The second Test will be played at the same venue from Monday, January 2.