Pakistan vs New Zealand: Play abandoned, match extended by a day

2nd day’s play abandoned after Hughes’ death

The second day’s play in the third and final Test between Pakistan and New Zealand has been abandoned on news of the tragic death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes on Thursday.

The decision was taken by the officials of both Pakistan Cricket Board and New Zealand Cricket after the news that 25-year-old Hughes died on Thursday, two days after being struck in the head by a cricket ball during a domestic first-class match.

“Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity is saddened by Hughes’ passing away, all our thoughts and prayers are with Phil and his family.”PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said.

NZC chief executive David White extended his deepest sympathy to the family of Hughes.“Cricket is a family,” White said in a statement.“Quite apart from its super-competitive edge, it is a game of kinship, mateship and friendship; of camaraderie and community.”

Pakistan scored a strong 281 for 3 with opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez unbeaten on 178 and captain Misbah-ul-Haq not out on 38. Pakistan lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 248 runs and forcing out a draw last week.

Play will now resume on Friday – to be considered as the second day’s play – and both the cricket boards decided to extend the Test match by one day.