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New Zealand in deep trouble despite Latham ton

November 11, 2014 20:11 IST

BJ Watling congratulates Tom Latham of New Zealand after reaching his century during Day Three of the first Test against Pakistan. Photograph: Francois Nel/Getty Images

Tom Latham struck his maiden Test century but New Zealand crumbled to 262 all out, conceding a 304-run first-innings lead as well as control of the first Test to Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

- Scorecard 

Left-arm pace bowler Rahat Ali claimed four wickets and spinner Zulfiqar Babar dismissed three New Zealand batsmen on a perfect third day for Pakistan who have dominated all nine sessions of the match but did not enforce follow-on. 

Pakistan were 15 for no loss at stumps having stretched their overall lead to 319 runs, although they will be without opener Ahmed Shehzad, who suffered a fractured skull in the first innings, for the rest of the match. 

Azhar Ali was unbeaten on nine with Mohammad Hafeez on five as they survived the last half an hour without alarm.

Tom Latham of New Zealand bats during Day Three of the first Test against Pakistan. Photograph: Francois Nel/Getty Images

Playing only his fifth Test, Latham added 83 runs with Corey Anderson (48) for the fourth wicket in the lone show of Kiwi top-order resistance at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. 

BJ Watling (42) and Ish Sodhi (25) dug in lower down but could not make up for the failure of the top and middle order. 

Left-arm spinner Babar dealt two body blows in the morning session, removing New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum (18) and Ross Taylor for a duck. 

McCullum edged a sharp turning delivery to Younis Khan at slip but stood his ground, unsure if the catch was cleanly taken, but he had to go after TV replays confirmed it had been held. 

He was soon joined in the pavilion by Kane Williamson, who blocked a Rahat Ali delivery but could not stop the ball from bouncing back and hitting the stumps.

Rahat Ali of Pakistan celebrates with teammates after dismissing Kane Williamson during Day Three of the First Test between Pakistan and New Zealand. Photograph: Francois Nel/Getty Images

Like McCullum, Taylor also pushed at a Babar delivery with firm hands and Asad Shafiq collected the edge at gully. 

Latham and Anderson arrested the slide with a resolute partnership before the latter chopped a Rahat delivery on to his stumps. 

Latham survived a couple of close calls to reach his maiden Test century which he brought up driving Babar down the ground for a boundary. 

His five-hour vigil was brought to an end by Rahat's inswinging yorker which trapped him in front and New Zealand used the review option but could not get the lbw decision overturned. 

Latham's 222-ball knock included 13 boundaries and the 22-year-old displayed fighting spirit that was lacking in some of his team mates.

Source: REUTERS
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