Sarfraz's hundred lifts Pakistan in second Test

Sarfraz Ahmed hit a fighting century to help Pakistan reduce New Zealand's lead on the fourth day of the second Test here today.

The right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 111 for his third century -- all this year -- to take Pakistan to 392-9 at lunch, trailing by just 11 runs on New Zealand's first innings total of 403.

Sarfraz added a record 80 runs for the unfinished tenth wicket stand with Rahat Ali (16 not out) and even a 30-minute extension could not get New Zealand the last wicket.
Sarfraz hit three boundaries in one Mark Craig over and then two more off leg-spinner Ish Sodhi to come within four runs of his hundred.

He then cut seamer Tim Southee towards deep point for his 15th boundary to complete the three-figure mark off 153 balls, the first Pakistani keeper-batsman to score three hundreds in a year.

He ran a full circle in jubilation, thumped his bat in the air to warm applause from his team-mates in the dressing room.

Shabash !