Opener Tom Latham scored his second successive hundred to guide New Zealand to 3-243 on the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai.
The 22-year-old followed his 103 in the first Test with another confident unbeaten 137 on Monday to help his team cash in on winning the toss and batting first on a flat and grassless Dubai stadium pitch.
When bad lights forced closure three overs before schedule, Corey Anderson was seven not out on a day dominated by left-handed Latham.
Latham put on a resolute 77-run stand for the opening wicket with Brendon McCullum (43) and another 76 for the second wicket with Kane Williamson (32).
He then added 73 for the third wicket with Ross Taylor who was caught at short cover off leg-spinner Yasir Shah after scoring 23.
Latham, playing only his sixth Test, completed his century off 192 balls.
“He (Latham) has come through in an excellent manner and backed up his first Test hundred to prove that he is an exciting talent,” New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan said.
“If we can continue to bat like this and put a 450-plus total then we can put pressure on Pakistan, like they did on us in Abu Dhabi.”
Pakistan toiled hard and to add to their woes did not hold their chances, giving Latham a life on 103, while Taylor was dropped when on 11.
Latham showed grit and application during his 375-minute stay, hitting 11 boundaries and a six.
Babar broke the stubborn second wicket stand when he turned one across Williamson’s bat and hit the off stump.
Williamson hit only one boundary during his patient 86-ball knock.
In the first session Pakistan had to toil hard for wickets with Latham and McCullum batting confidently.
McCullum took the attack to the bowlers, hitting four boundaries and two sixes during his 69-minute stay at the crease.
He was dismissed just before lunch, pulling straight into the hands of deep square-leg where Shan Masood held a regulation catch.
New Zealand trail 1-0 in the three-match series.
The third and final Test will be played in Sharjah from November 26.
