Kane Williamson cracks scintillating century against Pakistan in the 2nd Test match

World No.1 batsman Kane Williamson hit his 24th Test century against Pakistan to put the hosts in control of the 2nd Test at the end of play on Day 2 at Hagley Oval on Monday.

New Zealand reached 286/3 by stumps in reply to Pakistan’s 297. Nicholls ended the day 89 not out, following his 174 in the second Test against the West Indies and his 56 in the first Test against Pakistan.

Williamson’s century was his 24th in Tests and again came at a crucial time for New Zealand as it played under the pressure of Pakistan’s impressive first innings total, achieved as it batted first after losing the



toss.

New Zealand lost three wickets on either side of lunch — Tom Latham (33) and Tom Blundell (16) after a 52-run opening partnership and Ross Taylor (12) early in the second session when it was in trouble at 71/3.

Earlier on Day 2, Kyle Jamieson had registered five for 69 as New Zealand overcame some stiff Pakistan resistance to dismiss the tourists for 297.

Already 1-0 up in the series and needing only a draw to rise to the top of the world rankings for the first time, the Black Caps won the toss and elected to field on what looked like a Hagley Oval track tailor-made for their attack.