New Zealand v Pakistan: Tim Southee stars as hosts take control

He provided stability which allowed the big hitters in Pakistan’s lower order to turn some pressure back on the New Zealand bowlers.

The 22-year-old was considered a special talent at age-group level and announced himself on the global stage last month with three consecutive centuries in Pakistan’s one-day series against the West Indies. Pakistan were 201 for 8, trailing by 70 runs at Tea.

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New Zealand, chasing their first series win over Pakistan in 31 years, had been in trouble at 5-119 before BJ Watling’s 49 not out anchored a tail-end revival that lifted the home team to a competitive total.

Wagner has picked up his third wicket of the innings dismissing Sarfraz Ahmed.

Babar and wicketkeeper Sarfraz helped themselves to 32 runs from Tim Southee’s first three overs. Sarfraz had a few lucky escapes.

Azam resumed on 34 and took the senior role of keeping the innings together while Sarfraz Ahmed (41) and Sohail Khan (37) attacked the bowling.

Of course, the fact that Pakistan batsmen’s actual batting skills may not be designed for playing on pitches which offer such movement could well be the reason.

Pakistan will need far more from their batsmen, however, after they were skittled for 133 and 171 at Hagley Oval. Play will start half hour early to make up for the lost overs, but play might once again be delayed if there is overnight rain, leaving the outfield wet.

They had initially slumped to 51-5 late on Saturday. Raval made 55 and 36 not out in Christchurch and 55 in the first innings in this Test.

Taylor said he had had the pterygium for about five years but it really only flared up during New Zealand’s tour of Australia last year. With six sessions to go in this match, all four results are possible.

Pakistan won the toss in bowler-friendly conditions with a green pitch and heavy cloud hovering overhead.

Light rain arrived eight minutes before lunch at which point Pakistan were 200 for eight, 71 runs behind New Zealand.

New Zealand’s Colin de Grandhomme did exactly the same on his Test debut against Pakistan in Christchurch.

Pakistan pacers were also effective with Mohammad Amir, Sohail Khan and Rahat Ali getting amongst the wickets but there was very little to defend in the fourth and final innings of the first Test.

A win or draw in Hamilton will be enough for New Zealand to notch their first series win over Pakistan since 1985 and only their third ever in 22 series between the two countries.