NZ vs PAK: Kane Williamson 94* puts New Zealand ahead on day 1 after an early strike of Pakistan
NZ vs PAK: Kane Williamson 94* lifts New Zealand ahead on day 1 of the first Test at Bay Oval on Saturday, after an early striker by Pakistan pacers. New Zealand defended 222/3 by the end of stumps, day 1.
The NZ skipper, Kane Williamson led NZ on day 1 after an early striker of Pakistan fast bowlers reached 222/3 at the end of stumps, day 1 at Bay Oval on Saturday. Henry Nicholls is the other end of Williamson who is also unbeaten on 42 and NZ recovered from 13/2 after Shaheen Afridi destroyed the openers, Tom Latham and Tom Blundell cheaply on a greeny seaming wicket.
The experienced Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor then put a 120 runs stand to get New Zealand out of that crucial stage. NZ stood well enough and now they are back in the game.
Taylor did not lay among the bowlers and he started with some attacking shots in his usual way and Kane Williamson was defensive and conscious as usual.
Shaheen Afridi struck again and the removed Ross Taylor on 70 forms the well-going pair. Taylor hit 10 fours and a six in his 70 runs innings. Williamson and Nicholls added another partnership of 89 runs till the end of day 1.
Ross Taylor was in decent touch but he fell in the trap set by Shaheen who bowled a full-length delivery, short then a bouncer and then a good-length ball which Taylor could not resist playing it which resulted in a caught behind to Muhammad Rizwan.
Shaheen Afridi was the player of the day as he put a strong start for Pakistan after removing Tom Latham for four runs and Tom Blundell for five runs to end his bowling spells for the day on 3/55.
The medium-pacer and a tricky one, Muhammad Abbas was not able to pick up a wicket but he locked the bats of all batsman with his ideal and consistent line and length, as a result, he conceded on 25 runs in his 21 overs for the day with surprisingly 11 maiden overs.
After Shaheen’s early attack, Ross Taylor joined Williamson with a tribute given by the crowd to appear in most International matches for blackcaps. He showed the experience along with Williamson and they put a 100 runs partnership, their 10th together.
Pakistan dropped a few of NZ skipper, Kane Williamson before lunch when he was 18. He nicked the ball behind to the second slip where Shan Masood dropped a difficult one to the left side when the ball touched his fingertips and went away.
Henry Nicholls was amongst the lucky ones as he also got a second life to the youngster, Naseem Shah. He bowled him a quick bouncer to hook it for six where Muhammad Abbas was standing at long leg to drop a regular catch.
It was a good fortune for Henry Nicholls as he was dropped five times on his way to 174 in his last innings against West Indies.