WILLIAMSON’S TON TAKES NEW ZEALAND TO 431, PAK 30/1 ON DAY 2

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Skipper Kane Williamson (129) scored a century and wicketkeeper-batsman Bradley-John Watling hit 73 as New Zealand were bowled out for 431 in their first innings of the first Test against Pakistan on Sunday.

Pakistan went to stumps on the second day at 30 for the loss of one wicket with opener Shan Masood getting caught behind down the leg-side for just 10.

Nightwatchman Mohammed Abbas (0) and Abid Ali (19 batting) were on crease at the draw of stumps.

Resuming at 222 for three, Williamson added 35 more to his overnight score of 94.

Left-handed batsman Henry Nicholls (56) was the first to be dismissed on the second day as he popped up a catch to slips off a short delivery from pacer Naseem Shah. Williamson followed soon after as he was caught at slip off the bowling of leg-spinner Yasir Shah. Mitchell Santner fell for 19 as the Kiwis were reduced to 317 for six.

However, a 66-run partnership between Kyle Jamieson (32) and BJ Watling helped frustrate the Pakistan bowlers and took the Kiwis close to 400.

Earlier, on Saturday, Ross Taylor had scored a 70 to revive the hosts along with Williamson after they had been reduced to 13 for two.

For Pakistan, left-arm pace bowler Shaheen Afridi took four wickets for 109 while leg-spinner Shah took three for 113.

Brief scores (Day 2): New Zealand 431 (K. Williamson 129, BJ Watling 73, R. Taylor 70, H. Nicholls 56, S. Afridi 4/109, Y. Shah 3/113) vs Pakistan 30 for one.