Watling's determined graft puts New Zealand in front

BJ Watling blended the virtues of patience, defiance and resolve to compose an unbeaten 45 to help New Zealand fight their way to a position of strength against Pakistan at Tea on Day 2 of the second Test in Hamilton on Saturday (November 26). Watling also shared timely stands of 33 and 36 with Mitchell Santner (16) and Tim Southee (29), respectively as the hosts ended the session at 266 for 8.

Pakistan struck off the very first ball of the session when Imran Khan sent the dangerous Colin de Grandhomme (37) back to the pavilion. The visitors, though, had to review the decision as the on-field call was not out. The infra-red and snickometer showed that there was a definite outside edge and de Grandhomme had to trudge his way back.

Watling and Santner then teamed up to share a vital alliance for the seventh wicket to propel the hosts past 200. It turned out to be a rather slow-paced-determined battle between bat and ball. Santner mostly showed deft touch to steer it to third man. He also frustrated Pakistan with a resourceful tuck here and a nudge there. When Santner eked out an edge, he used soft hands to keep the ball down.

Watling, on the other hand, offered solid defence and ushered in a few serene drives. With a healthy dose of poise and equanimity, he explored every nook and corner of the ground.

It was only in the 67th over of the innings when Sohail Khan broke the stubborn stand, with a delivery that was angled away from Santner to produce the edge. Southee, with his trademark pyrotechnics, then flared briefly. He rode his luck quite a bit, but as soon as the seamers bowled anything in his slot, he was onto it in a flash.

The highlight of his innings was the mighty heave off Sohail's 23rd over that flew into the stands. Sohail, however, made a fine comeback when he befuddled Southee with a back of the hand slower one to castle the lower-order batsman. Matt Henry, the No.10 batsman, too, enjoyed his time in the middle by thumping a few powerful blows.

Earlier, Pakistan's tireless pacers bowled zest-filled spells in the first session as the visitors charted an impressive comeback. Raval (55), who remained unbeaten on 35 at close of play on Day 1, composed a half-century, while De Grandhomme blended caution with aggression to keep the scorecard ticking.

The home team began the day at 77 for 2, but soon lost the wicket of Ross Taylor (37). The veteran batsman, who looked in sure touch on Day 1, was chipped out by Sohail. Raval, however, continued to be the major roadblock to Pakistan's ambitions of whittling away at the batting line-up. The 28-year-old summed up the conditions well to quell Pakistan's challenge for a while.

Imran eventually prised the left-handed batsman with a well-directed short delivery from round the wicket. Raval could only offer a feeble poke to Mohammad Rizwan at first slip. Raval also survived a couple of chances, but the credit has to go to the opener for wading through difficult periods.

De Grandhomme, known for his power-packed game in the domestic circuit, then defended with a broad blade and also essayed delightful punches off the back foot.

The quickfire stand between Southee and Watling has handed over the advantage to New Zealand. The visitors need to strike early and bundle out New Zealand quickly in the final session of the day to keep themselves in the hunt.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 266/8 (Jeet Raval 55, BJ Watling 45*; Sohail Khan 4-99) vs Pakistan