SHARJAH, Nov 26 (AFP): Opener Mohammad Hafeez struck a dominating century to lift Pakistan to 281-3 in the third and final Test against New Zealand in Sharjah Wednesday.
The 34-year-old anchored Pakistan's innings with an unbeaten 178 -- his seventh Test hundred and second in the series -- as Pakistan dominated the day after winning a crucial toss and deciding to bat on a flat, grass-less Sharjah stadium pitch.
Hafeez added an invaluable 121 for the fourth wicket with skipper Misbah-ul Haq who was not out on a chancy 38 and 87 for the second wicket with Azhar Ali (39).
It was an aggressive knock during which Hafeez drove and pulled with authority, clobbering 23 boundaries and three sixes.
Misbah, batting in his usual cautious style, benefitted from a dropped catch on 20 when wicket-keepe BJ Watling failed to hold an edge off leg-sppiner Ish Sodhi.
New Zealand's three-spinner attack failed to get any spin with Mark Craig getting 2-67 and recalled Daniel Vettori 1-28.
New Zealand, seeking to level the three-match series after losing the first in Abu Dhabi by 248 runs and drawing the second in Dubai, hit back in the second session by dismissing Ali and in-form Younis Khan for five.
Ton-up Hafeez lifts Pakistan in final Test
FE Team | Published: November 27, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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