PAK vs NZ: New Zealand take two early wickets after Williamson's heroics

KARACHI: Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell took a wicket each for New Zealand as Pakistan continued to suffer in home conditions during first Test. 

After taking a strong 174-run lead thanks to Kane Williamson's double-hundred, New Zealand bowlers trapped opener Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood earlier.  

Abdullah, who has failed to score big in his last six innings - scoring just 106 runs, fell to Bracewell after scoring 17 runs. Shan was dismissed after scoring 10.

Unstoppable Williamson completed his fifth double-hundred as New Zealand put Pakistan under extreme pressure with a strong 174-run lead in first innings of the opening Test. 

Williamson took his time and stayed at the crease for 244 minutes on the fourth day to add 95 runs to his overnight score of 105 runs. Overall, he stayed for 600 minutes in first innings which is also a record in Pakistan. 

It took him some time to reach to his double-hundred but as soon as he reached 200-mark, New Zealand declared their innings for 612-9 before going for Tea. 

Abrar Ahmed took five wickets, his second fifer in just the third Test since debut against England earlier this month, to help Pakistan have some time to cheer. Nauman Ali bagged three wickets. 

Sodhi fought hard with Williamson, scoring 159 runs together. He played most balls (180) of his Test career today, scoring career-best 65 runs. 

It was a frustrating day with the ball throughout for Pakistan, starting off with first session. Sodhi kept himself under control and helped Williamson get going for New Zealand in first innings of the opening Test. 

Resuming at an overnight score of 440-6 with a lead of two runs, Sodhi remained calm and composed alongside Williamson as New Zealand looked slow while scoring. 

New Zealand added 79 runs to their overnight score as their lead reached 81 runs at lunch. 

Williamson, who survived after a successful review, scored unbeaten 137 runs. Sodhi played 127 balls to save one end after surviving from dropped catch by Shan Masood at 20. He remained not out for 41 runs at lunch. 

Nauman Ali, in 116th over, appealed for an LBW which was given by umpire Aleem Dar. But, it was a brief celebration in Pakistan camp as Williamson took a review straight away and it went in his favour. 

Pakistan had to settle wicketless before lunch on day 4.