Kane Williamson and Latham propel NZ ahead

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Kane Williamson and Latham propel NZ ahead – Since his 238 against Pakistan in Hamilton in January 2021, the NZ captain’s first international century was recorded.

In his team’s first Test journey to Pakistan in 20 years, Williamson, who resigned from the longest-format captaincy, took advantage of two incorrect stumping to knock an unbeaten 105 as the Black Caps reached 440 for 6 at the end of the third day, leading by two runs.

When Williamson was on 15 and 21, the wicketkeeper : Sarfaraz Ahmed, who is playing in his first Test in four years, missed two chances to stump him. The former captain also used a review to overturn a LBW (“leg before wicket” ) call from Abrar’s bowling.

The 183-run opening stand between Tom Latham and Devon Conway was broken by Williamson, who joined the latter in scoring three figures and gave New Zealand a two-run advantage with four wickets in hand.

Latham scored his 13th test century while playing masterfully against the Pakistani attack. And with former captain Kane Williamson still standing at 105, the Kiwis reached 440-6 at the end of play to maintain a 2-run advantage.

Williamson was being urged by Latham to take advantage of a favorable circumstance.

Williamson played 48 tests in the start of his career without serving as captain, scoring 100+ points in 27.1% of those games and averaging 49.2 overall.

Then, after taking over for Brendon McCullum in 2016, Williamson played 40 tests as captain, striking a century in 27.5% of those games and averaging 57.4. A specialist batting job seems to fit the 32-year-old quite fine, and his continued greatness won’t come as much of a surprise.

The home side are missing their three best seamers while spin duo Abrar Ahmed and Nauman Ali had combined for five wickets without building significant pressure in their 89 overs.

The Pakistan camp has been hit by viral flu with skipper Babar Azam did not take the first session. Agha Salman , a cleaver all-rounder has missed out the day entirely.

This way Williamson and Latham’s partnership helped NZ to move ahead.

Sports Desk