Pak post 418/ 5 against Kiwis

Dubai: A career- best hundred from Haris Sohail and a maiden century from Babar Azam helped Pakistan post a big total to boost their chances of a serieslevelling win against New Zealand in the second Test in Dubai on Sunday. Sohail knocked a snail- paced 147 in nine hours and 34 minutes while Azam made an unbeaten 127 to steer Pakistan to an imposing 418- 5 declared on day two at Dubai stadium. New Zealand negotiated nine overs without losing a wicket for 24 under lights in overcast conditions before umpires called off the day with two overs remaining. Opener Jeet Raval was unbeaten on 17 with three boundaries while Tom Latham was five not out. With the Dubai stadium pitch starting to turn ace leg- spinner Yasir Shah could be the key to Pakistan gaining a big first innings lead. New Zealand, who lead the series 1- 0 after a narrow four- run win in the first Test in Abu Dhabi last week, still trail by 394 runs with all ten wickets intact. Sohail improved on his previous best of 110 scored against Australia at the same venue last month while Azam passed his previous best of 99. Brief scores: Pakistan 418/ 5 decl. in 167 overs ( Sohail 147, Azam 127) vs New Zealand 24 for no loss in 9 overs.

It’s definitely the most satisfying win I’ve been involved in. — Meg Lanning, Australian skipper after winning the ICC women’s World T20 title

8.3 overs, and his batsmen alike. “Overall, skill wise, we were better on the day than Australia. With the ball, we were more professional today. I thought it was a 180 wicket.”

“When our openers get into the zone they’re difficult to stop. Things become pretty easy when those two guys ( Rohit and Shikhar) do the job for us,” Kohli said.

Australian T20 captain Aaron Finch said: “India batted extremely well in the power play. It’s always tough to bring it back from 1/ 67. The way that we fought was brilliant. Rohit and Dhawan are totally different styles of batsmen which is tough for bowlers. That’s why they’ve been such a good opening combination.”