Pakistan vs New Zealand, 3rd Test, Day 1 at Sharjah - As it Happened
Live cricket score and ball-by-ball commentary from the first day of the third Test match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah on Wednesday.
Mohammad Hafeez carried his bat through the first day in smashing an unbeaten 178 and spurring Pakistan to 281-3 against New Zealand in the third and decisive Test on Wednesday. Catch all the highlights of the match here: (SCORECARD)
Hafeez, recovered from a niggly hamstring which sidelined him from the drawn second Test, cracked 23 fours and three sixes to overshadow Daniel Vettori's surprise comeback to Test cricket after more than two years.
Captain Misbah-ul-Haq, dropped on 20 by wicketkeeper BJ Watling, was not out on 38 after he won the toss and elected to bat on a subcontinent-like flat pitch.
Offspinner Mark Craig took 2-67, while Younis Khan was unexpectedly out for 5, trapped lbw by Vettori.
Hafeez also showed no sign of fatigue after flying to England to have his suspect bowling action tested on Monday.
Live Score - PAK vs NZ updates
Pakistan have nose-dived today! They were 281/3 at the start but slipped to 351 all out in the morning session. It was a low-key morning session, not much intensity shown by the Kiwi players but their bowling was tidy and effective. Mark Craig claimed a 7-fer and was all over the Pakistani batting line-up like a rash. Mohammad Hafeez was unlucky to miss out on his maiden double ton by just 3 runs but batted really well throughout his innings. New Zealand have to bat one over before the lunch break, so stay tuned...
OUT! Pakistan all out for 351! Tossed up ball outside off, very full in length, Shah tries to dig it out but the ball catches the outside edge and goes into the safe hands of Taylor at first slip. That's a 7-fer for Craig.
Hits a full ball firmly through the line but finds covers.
FOUR! Fine shot! Shah reaches out for a full ball outside off and pushes it with nice timing through cover-point for a boundary.
Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Babar has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Babar defends it from within the crease.
Skiddy delivery on middle, Shah flicks it through mid-wicket for one.
Flighted ball on off, Shah defends it by getting forward.
Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.