New Zealand v Pakistan: Babar Azam hits unbeaten 90 as tourists rally before the rain
Sunday 27 November 2016 05:56, UK
Heavy rain washed out most of day three of the second Test between New Zealand and Pakistan in Hamilton.
Just over 38 overs were possible in the day, and in that time Pakistan were bowled out for 216 in their first innings to trail the home side by 55 runs.
Playing in only his second Test match, Babar Azam was left stranded on 90 not out as he top scored for the tourists, but he ran out of batting partners and was ultimately denied a maiden Test ton.
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Tim Southee was the standout New Zealand bowler, claiming his fifth five-wicket haul in Tests; finishing with impressive figures of 6-80.
The two sides managed to get in one delivery of the New Zealand second innings before bad light and further rain forced play to be abandoned for the day.
Pakistan resumed the day on 76-5, and though the players managed to get through the majority of the morning session, showers hit Seddon Park just before lunch, forcing the players off for nearly three hours.
In that opening session, Sarfraz Ahmed (41) put on a sixth wicket partnership of 74 runs with Azam to frustrate the home side before he flashed at a wide delivery from Neil Wagner (3-59) into the hands of Jeet Raval at second slip.
There was further lower order resistance from Sohail Khan, who clubbed 37 from 44 balls, including two hooked sixes, but when the rain first intervened, Pakistan had slipped further to 200-8.
When play did briefly resume, Southee swiftly mopped up the Pakistan tail and Kane Williamson's side will now start day four with a handy first innings lead, and all 10 wickets still in hand.
If New Zealand earn at least a draw in this Test, it will be enough for the Kiwis to complete a first series win over Pakistan since 1985.
Watch day four of the second Test between New Zealand and Pakistan in Hamilton, live on Sky Sports 3 from 9.25pm on Sunday.
