Shehzad ton highlights Pakistan’s dominance
Pakistan continued where they left off against Australia, going into the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi by racking up the runs, with Ahmed Shehzad's century leading them to 269 for one at stumps.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat, selecting an unchanged side that beat the Aussies a week ago, also in the UAE. They started well, with Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez unbeaten before lunch.
The pair reached the first session break on 85 for none, and the afternoon was much of the same, but at a slower rate. They weren't going quickly because they didn't have to, as the openers recorded 178, the fourth highest opening stand for Pakistan in Tests.
Hafeez was the only unlucky one on the day, out for 96. He fell to all-rounder Corey Anderson, a new inclusion in the side from the one that faced the West Indies, having struck 10 fours in 137 deliveries.
Shehzad took aged to record his century, using up 221 balls and getting it after tea, but that was immaterial as Azhar Ali stood by him and they picked up the pace towards the close. At stumps, Ali was on 46 and Shehzad on 126.
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, Jimmy Neesham, BJ Watling, Tim Southee, Mark Craig, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult
Pakistan: Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan
Latest
-
NewsI genuinely feel sorry for him – Alastair Cook sympathises with Joe Root
England captain Root has overseen four defeats in the past five Test matches.
-
NewsMore spectators will be allowed to attend England’s ODI games with Sri Lanka
The matches at Durham, the Kia Oval and Bristol have been named Government test events.
-
NewsKey man Kyle Jamieson ‘just riding the coat-tails’ of New Zealand regulars
Jamieson claimed five for 31 as the Black Caps bowled out India for 217 on day three.
-
NewsKyle Jamieson puts New Zealand in control with bowling masterclass against India
The paceman from Auckland wrapped up sensational figures of five for 31 in 22 relentless overs as India were dismissed for 217 at the Ageas Bowl.
-
NewsBen Stokes stars on return from injury as Durham seal Blast win over Birmingham
Joe Root top-scored with 49 as he helped Yorkshire to a 39-run triumph over Derbyshire Falcons.
-
NewsBen Stokes returns from injury with stunning catch in Durham win
Stokes made his first appearance since April returning from a broken finger.
-
NewsKyle Jamieson claims five wickets as New Zealand turn screw at Ageas Bowl
The 6fit 8in paceman finished with sensational figures of five for 31.
-
NewsChris Woakes: England absence has felt like waste of my form
Woakes is hoping to get the nod for Wednesday’s T20 against Sri Lanka, ending a 280-day absence from the England XI.
-
News
5 things we learned from the women’s Test between England and India
Rain on day three dented hopes of a positive outcome at Bristol.
-
NewsHeather Knight says Bristol game was ‘brilliant advert’ for women’s Test cricket
England and India drew a weather-affected contest.