The Blackcaps have recovered from a shaky start to surge into a dominant position at the end of day two of the second test against Pakistan in Christchurch.
Skipper Kane Williamson's undefeated 112 anchored a dominant afternoon for New Zealand, who finished the day on 286/3, just 11 runs shy of Pakistan's first innings total of 297.
Promoted to the top of the ICC's world test batting rankings last week, the century is Williamson's third in as many tests and 23rd overall, as his golden summer continues.
With NZ teetering at 3/71, Williamson combined with Henry Nicholls (88 not out) for a fourth-wicket stand of 215 runs to put the hosts firmly in control.
But it wasn't without some luck. Nicholls was caught behind off a Shaheen no-ball with just eight runs to his name, and was dropped later in the day by wicketkeeper Rizwan in unforgivable fashion.
Williamson also had some edgy moments early in his innings, and was later dropped at gully off a tough chance that should've been pocketed.
More to come
