Watling denied century as tail lingers
BJ Watling was left stranded in his hunt for a seventh test ton as New Zealand got through to a competitive total against Pakistan.
The Black Caps were dismissed for 274 in their first innings of the third test at Abu Dhabi last night – a total they will be satisfied with considering they were 72-4 on day one, then 209-7.
Trent Boult took a wicket in his first over to have Pakistan 0-1 at lunch. Offspinner Bilal Asif starred for Pakistan in the morning session on day two, taking all three wickets to fall, to finish with 5-65, his second five-wicket bag in a test.
Watling finished unbeaten on
77, being denied what could have been a seventh test century. New Zealand started the day at
229-7, adding a further 45 runs. Debutant Will Somerville stuck around for an hour without adding to his overnight total of 12, showing plenty of grit.
Somerville and Watling combined for a valuable 45-run eighth-wicket partnership, frustrating the Pakistan attack, who were determined to make quick inroads.
Somerville was removed by Bilal after the drinks break, trying to send one through the covers, but was undone by a smart delivery, which hit middle stump.
New Zealand’s final two wickets fell quickly.
Ajaz Patel departed for six from 25 balls, edging to Asid Shafiq at slip to leave New Zealand 272-9.
Boult lasted just nine balls, seeing his stumps rattled by Bilal as he looked to send one over the leg side.
Kane Williamson top scored for New Zealand with 89 having faced 176 balls.
Both sides have everything to play for in the third and final test with the test series level at 1-1.