Kane Williamson of New Zealand, freed from the responsibility of serving as red-ball captain, hit a masterful 200 not out on Thursday to put his team in command of the opening Test against Pakistan.
Williamson handed up his resignation as Test captain earlier this month, but he demonstrated that he is still the backbone of New Zealand’s batting by leading them to a massive 612-9 before captain Tim Southee declared with a lead of 174.
In order to prevent New Zealand from taking an early 1-0 lead in the two-Test series, Pakistan finished day four on 77-2, still 97 down, and having to bat heroically.
Imam-ul-Haq, the opener, was batting at stumps with 45 runs scored, and night watchman Nauman Ali was at the other end with 4.
The National Stadium’s flat surface required Pakistan’s bowlers to strain their backs in order to occasionally succeed, and more labour awaited them once New Zealand resumed on 440-6.
Williamson and Ish Sodhi, the overnight batters who struck a career-best 65, put on a seven-wicket stand of 159 to stun the hosts.
When Sodhi was removed to cause a lower-order collapse, Abrar Ahmed (5-205) eventually broke the stand, but Williamson could not be denied his accomplishment.
Williamson struck Abrar for a six with number 11 Ajaj Patel at the other end to get closer to the double hundred, and four overs later, he reached the mark with a single off the spinner.
Williamson removed his helmet and hoisted his bat in a typically understated celebration after his methodical 395-ball knock, during which he smashed 21 fours. New Zealand then quickly declared.
Pakistan’s bowling attack appeared worn out after attempting to bowl nearly 195 overs on an uncooperative surface.
Spinners Abrar and Nauman (3-185) toiled for nearly 131 overs together, and the side’s general sloppiness made the bowlers’ job more difficult.
The hosts missed a few stumpings, dropped three catches, and twice decided against reviewing catches that would have been taken.
When Pakistan came out to bat for the second time in the match, they were unable to escape the final session unscathed either.
