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Leadership: Mark Craig, Brendon McCullum inspire New Zealand against Pakistan

By Allsports.com.gh
Sports News Leadership: Mark Craig, Brendon McCullum inspire New Zealand against Pakistan
NOV 28, 2014 LISTEN

The second day of the match in Sharjah had been suspended on Thursday following the death of batsman Phillip Hughes, who failed to recover after being hit in the neck by a bouncer while playing for South Australia on Tuesday.

Both teams paid tribute to the 25-year-old by lining up their bats and observing a minute's silence before the first ball was bowled, while all players wore black armbands as a mark of respect.

Pakistan had ended the first day 281-3 after Mohammed Hafeez's 178-run knock, and the opener added 19 on Friday to register his best Test total.

However, New Zealand were in control throughout as they rattled through the Pakistan wickets - Craig taking 7-94 - to leave Pakistan sitting on 351, before McCullum (153 not out) put in a blistering performance to take the tourists to 249-1 heading into day three.

Pakistan failed to build on their promising start and had just 70 runs to show for the loss of seven wickets in the early stages on Friday.

Craig was the main protagonist, dismissing Asad Shafiq (11), Sarfraz Ahmed (15), Mohammad Talha (0), Rahat Ali (0) and Yasir Shah (25), having already seen off Shan Masood and Azhar Ali on day one.

Ross Taylor's catch from Rahat took his Test tally to 100 and he caught Yasir at slip to extend that record further.

Leading by example, captain McCullum stepped up to the crease in inspired form to kick off the New Zealand innnings.

Tom Latham was caught behind by Sarfraz for just 13, but there was no stopping McCullum as he became the first New Zealander to hit eight sixes in an innings on his way to posting the Black Caps' quickest century - notching his 100 off 78 deliveries.

Together with Kane Williamson (76 not out), McCullum had Pakistan stunned, but there was little fanfare on a day of reflection for international cricket.

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