Centuries from Tom Latham, Kane Williamson assist New Zealand beat Pakistan’s whole in Karachi

Middle-order batsmen Daryl Mitchell (42) and Tom Blundell (47) fell wanting half-centuries, however New Zealand nonetheless ended the third day on a commanding 440-6 and hoping for a cushty lead. Williamson was batting on 105, his twenty fifth Test hundred, with Ish Sodhi on the different finish. Earlier, Devon Conway fell for 92 however couldn’t deny Tom Latham his century after New Zealand resumed at 165 for no loss on the National Stadium.

Nauman Ali drove previous the bat and into the pads of Conway to take away the opener, who was initially adjudged not out, however needed to go after Pakistan reviewed umpire Aleem Dar’s choice. Latham took a single off Abrar Ahmed in his 69th match to finish his thirteenth Test century, essentially the most by a New Zealand opener.

Latham used his toes in opposition to the spinners and regarded assured till he fell when he tried a reverse sweep in opposition to Abrar.

Latham managed to catch the ball which got here out behind the wicketkeeper and the slip fielder had sufficient time to cross and topple it. Henry Nicholls (22) pulled Nauman’s ball onto his stumps however the arrival of Mitchell introduced no respite to Pakistan’s fatigued assault. Mitchell reverse-swept Nauman’s second ball and hit a boundary and hit the spinner for a six within the subsequent over.

Mohammad Wasim was handled with related disdain, with Mitchell hitting him for 4 consecutive fours.

Mitchell’s entertaining innings was deserted within the center after a reverse sweep in opposition to Abrar. An LBW choice in opposition to Williamson was overturned and escaped the prospect of stumping earlier than reaching his century with a single off Wasim.

While their bowling lacked firepower, Pakistan’s fielding was additionally sluggish, finest exemplified when Imam-ul-Haq and Abrar ran after a skier from Blundell and each acquired out on the final minute.