New Zealand Stay on Top Despite Farhat Ton

Napier: Opener Imran Farhat's (117*) unbeaten fighting ton helped Pakistan to manage 223/10 in their first innings on the first day of the third and final Test against New Zealand at McLean Park in Napier on Friday.

In reply, New Zealand comfortably negotiated the last session and scored 47 runs without losing any wicket. New Zealand were still 176 runs behind with Tim McIntosh (31*) and debutant Bradley-John Watling (13*) at the crease when stumps were drawn for the day.

Pakistan's decision to bat first, after winning the toss, in a batting-friendly conditions backfired as seamer Ian O'Brien, playing in his final Test before pursuing a county career in England, ripped apart Pakistan's top and middle order.

O'Brien finished with figures of 4/35. Tim Southee instigated Pakistan's downfall when he castled Salman Butt for nine, before O'Brien got rid of Faisal Iqbal (6), Yousuf (0), Umar Akmal (0) and Misbah-ul-Haq (0).

Pakistan were tottering at 51/5 before Farhat held one end for the visitors and defied Kiwi bowling showing some great resilience.

Farhat, who played a brilliant fighting knock, kept attacking Kiwi bowlers from the other end. Kamran Akmal (22), Mohammad Aamer (23) and Umar Gul (24) gave handy contributions down the order and helped the opener to reach his third Test century.

Daryl Tuffey, who ended up with the figures of 4/52, finished off the Pakistan innings by sending Danish Kaneria back to the pavilion.

Indian Cricket League rebel Farhat, who recently returned to the Pakistan team, played all through the innings. He slammed 14 boundaries and a six in his marathon knock.

New Zealand won the first Test in Dunedin before Pakistan levelled the series at Wellington.

Brief scores
Pakistan: 223 (Farhat 117*, O'Brien 4-35, Tuffey 4-52)
New Zealand: 47 for 0
Status: New Zealand trail by 176 runs

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