New Zealand eye big lead against Pakistan after Kane ton
WELLINGTON, January 4
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson proved why he is currently the top-ranked Test batsman with a brilliant 112 not out to keep his country on course for a handy first-innings lead against Pakistan in the second and final Test in Christchurch today.
Williamson’s burgeoning 215-run stand with Henry Nicholls, who was batting on 89, helped the hosts finish Day 2 on a strong 286/3 in reply to Pakistan’s first innings total of 297.
New Zealand are already 1-0 up in the series and need only a draw to rise to the top of the world rankings for the first time.
Earlier, openers Tom Blundell (16) and Tom Latham (33) fell in successive overs while Ross Taylor departed early after making 12. With New Zealand potentially in trouble at 71/3, Williamson was initially circumspect and scored 10 runs off the first 50 balls he faced. — Reuters
