Latham ton puts Kiwis in solid position

New Zealand opener Tom Latham scored a second century in as many Tests as he led his side to 243 for three at stumps on day one of the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai.
New Zealand won the toss and immediately opted to bat, a wise choice given the glut of runs in the UAE of late, though batting first has been a prerequisite for Pakistan, who have done most of the batting.
Latham and skipper Brendon McCullum put on a solid opening stand in the morning, but the captain was unable to see out the session and fell for 43 to Ehsan Adil, the score on 77. They were on 82 for one at lunch.
Latham and Kane Williamson then batted together for much of the afternoon, though the latter's scoring rate was below 40, leaving much of the run-getting to his younger partner. They did put on a half ton stand though.
Williamson was out before tea, for 232, bowled by Zulfiqur Babar. This brought Ross Taylor to the middle, and he was with LAtham when he recorded his century in the evening. It came off 192 balls, and included a six.
Taylor's vigil came to an end late in the day, for 23 off 71 balls. He was caught at short leg by Shan Masood off Yasir Shah, and thus Corey Anderson (7 not out) completed the day alongside Latham (137 not out).
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