Ross Taylor's 16th Test century put New Zealand in a fine position to claim a series-deciding win over Pakistan in the second Test at Hamilton yesterday
New Zealand's Ross Taylor celebrates his ton vs Pakistan on Day Four at Hamilton yesterday. Pic/AFP
New Zealand's Ross Taylor celebrates his ton vs Pakistan on Day Four at Hamilton yesterday. Pic/AFP
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Hamilton: Ross Taylor's 16th Test century put New Zealand in a fine position to claim a series-deciding win over Pakistan in the second Test at Hamilton yesterday.
Taylor struck a classy 102 not out, while Tom Latham added 80, to help their side build a commanding lead as they posted 313 for five declared in their second innings, setting Pakistan a target of 369.
The tourists survived a tricky three-over period before close, edging to one for no wicket, to leave New Zealand 98 overs to claim 10 wickets on day five and earn a 2-0 series win.
Pakistan will need to equal the seventh highest run chase in the history of the game if they are to win — a big ask considering they have yet to get above 216 in their first three attempts in the series.
The fourth day was always going to decide which direction the game went in as the hosts resumed on 0 for no wicket, with a first-innings lead of 55.
And when Jeet Raval was dismissed for just two Pakistan would have hoped to be able to run through their hosts' top order. However, opener Latham, in partnership with skipper Kane Williamson, dug in to provide a solid base. The pair shared a 96-run stand before Williamson nicked off for 42, with Latham having earlier passed his half-century off 103 balls, which included nine fours.
When Taylor joined him at the crease they added another 52 before Latham's hopes of a sixth Test hundred were dashed when he received a brute of a delivery from Wahab Riaz.
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