DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Haris Sohail compiled a resilient century and Babar Azam eyed a maiden test hundred to carry Pakistan to an imposing 356-4 at tea on the second day of the second test against New Zealand on Sunday.
Sohail was unbeaten on 143 off 411 balls while Azam was not out on 99 off 210 deliveries after both batsmen defied New Zealand for two sessions since Pakistan resumed on 207-4.
New Zealand couldn't break the partnership using either spin or seam with both batsmen pushing the fifth-wicket stand to 182 runs.
Seamer Colin de Grandhomme (2-44) and left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel (1-91) couldn't add to their first day's wickets tally as New Zealand tried six bowlers without success. Neil Wagner's (0-60) change of pace was also smartly read by both Sohail and Azam as they led Pakistan to a big first innings score.
Azam survived a close run out chance just before tea but Ajaz Patel's throw from point missed the stumps at the striker's end.
Pakistan had a strong second session as they scored 82 runs with Azam, who has hit 10 fours and a six, showing intent to up the scoring rate. Sohail hit 13 fours in his patient knock spanning more than 9-1/2 hours.
New Zealand bowlers couldn't find any help in the wicket after resuming with the second new ball just seven overs in.
Sohail, who resumed on 81, had some nervy moments on 99 when he played 10 dot balls against Ish Sodhi (0-54) before getting the much deserved 100th run by sending the ball to mid-on against the leg-spinner to complete his century.
It was fourth slowest test century in terms of balls for a Pakistan player behind former test opener Mudassar Nazar, Shoaib Malik and Azhar Ali.
Both batsmen were at ease and at times showed aggression with Azam smashing a six and a four off one Sodhi over before completing his half century and Pakistan adding 67 runs in the first session.
New Zealand leads the three-match series 1-0 after its stunning four-run win in the first test at Abu Dhabi.
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