Hamilton Test: New Zealand reach 77/2 in rain-marred opening day vs Pakistan

Hamilton, Nov 25 (CRICKETNMORE) New Zealand reached 77/2 on a rain-curtailed opening day of the second cricket Test against Pakistan at the Seddon Park here on Friday.

Only 21 overs could be bowled during the entire day as intermittent rain during the post-lunch session forced an early close to the day.

The hosts were off to a disastrous start with opener Tom Latham (0) and skipper Kane Williamson (13) perishing cheaply after Pakistan sent them to bat.

The visitors, who were without their regular skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, employed four seamers on a track which offered good pace and movement.

Pacers Mohammed Amir and Sohail Khan, who opened the bowling from either end got one wicket each.

Opener Jeet Raval (35 not out) and veteran Ross Taylor (29 not out) put on 38 runs for the third wicket in the morning session after which rain forced an early close of play.

Earlier, Williamson and Raval scored 34 runs for the second wicket after Latham departed with the scoreboard reading 5/1 for the Blackcaps.

The Kiwis are already 1-0 up in the two-match series after winning the first Test at Christchurch by 8 wickets.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 77/2 (Jeet Raval 35 not out, Ross Taylor 29 not out, Mohammed Amir 1/15, Sohail Khan 1/35)