On the third day of the second Test against New Zealand, Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel scored a patient and undefeated 124 off 336 balls, while Safaraz Ahmed contributed 78 runs in an aggressive performance.

These efforts helped Pakistan trail New Zealand by 42 runs at the end of the day, with the hosts finishing at 407-9. Shakeel’s century was his first in Test cricket, and he achieved the milestone in his hometown with the support of Ahmed, a senior player who he has known since the beginning of his career.

New Zealand’s spinners made a comeback in the final session, taking four wickets and limiting Pakistan to 70 runs. Ajaz Patel took two wickets, while Ish Sodhi had a hat-trick opportunity, but Abrar Ahmed was able to avoid being dismissed.

Earlier in the day, Shakeel and Ahmed put up a determined 150-run stand, but Pakistan lost the wicket of Imam-ul-Haq in the first session.

There was a close call for Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was nearly dismissed off the first ball of the second session, but he successfully challenged the umpire’s decision through a television referral. However, he was stumped two balls later.