Shaheen Afridi of Pakistan hit early to reduce New Zealand to 13-2 before Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor led the Black Caps to a strong position on the first day of the first Test at Mount Maunganui
Last updated: 26/12/20 9:16 am
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson finished the first day on 94 not out against Pakistan at Mount Maunganui
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson survived two dropped catches as he closed in on his first on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan at Mount Maunganui.
Williamson, who reached stumps unscathed at 94, shared an alliance with Ross Taylor (70) to save the Black Caps after Shaheen Afridi reduced them to 13-2.
But both Afridi and Naseem Shah saw the home captain put down in the grooves, while Henry Nicholls also found life when New Zealand finished the first day in a comfortable position at 222-3.
Kane Williamson (L) and Ross Taylor shared a stand of 120 for the third wicket in the first Test against Pakistan
Afridi (3-55) went into his effort after Pakistan won the toss and sent the guests, after catching Tom Latham (4) at the third inning with the third delivery. of the game.
Latham’s opening partner Tom Blundell (5) soon followed suit, with Yasir Shah catching the bat to give Afridi his second wicket, while Mohammad Abbas held the pressure with an unmistakable spell. at the other end.
Williamson and Taylor weathered the weather in the storm – although Pakistan may have picked up the captain ‘s wicket just before lunch when the San Masood diver was unable to hold the edge off Naseem.
While Afridi and Abbas were still causing problems for the New Zealand batsmen, Yasir came in for a penalty, with Taylor sweeping the leg for two fours and six in a row.
Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi referenced all three wikis on the opening day against New Zealand
The pair went on through the afternoon session, adding 120 before Afridi returned to put Taylor out shortly after tea, donning a perfect outfit that grabbed the edge and sailed her -into the keeper’s gloves.
But Pakistan failed to build on that progress, with Naseem forcing Nicholls (42 not out) to go for an early hook shot that poured Abbas at the right foot.
The visitors should also have picked up Williamson’s wicket late, when Afridi found the edge again – just for Haris Sohail to miss the chance at the first slip.