PAK vs NZ: Tom Latham surpasses John Wright to register most centuries as New Zealand Test opener

New Zealand Test opener Tom Latham notched up a sensational knock of 113 runs that marked his 13^th Test century in the ongoing first Test match against Pakistan at the Karachi National Stadium on Wednesday. Latham surpassed John Wright, who had 12 centuries to his name for the national team, to register most tons as a Kiwi opener.

After making his Test debut in 2014, Latham took 120 innings to achieve the milestone. Wright, Glenn Turner (7), Matt Horne (4) and MH Richardson (4) follow the list of most centuries scored by a New Zealand opener. 

Interestingly, Latham was dismissed by mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, minutes prior to lunch for 113 runs from 191 balls which included 10 boundaries. Only Kane Williamson (24), Ross Taylor (19) and Martin Crowe (17) have scored more centuries for the Black Caps in the red-ball format than Latham.

PAK vs NZ: How is the match panning out on Day 3?

In the match, Pakistan put up a majestic performance as they scored 438 runs in their first innings. Thanks to skipper Babar Azam (161 runs) and Agha Salman’s (103 runs) centuries which helped the side to put up a strong total on board.

In response, the visitors started off with full command as Devon Conway and Tom Latham batted confidently against the Pakistan bowling unit. The duo opener added 183 for the first wicket in their first innings before Conway was dismissed by Nauman Ali for 92 runs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are without the services of their captain Babar Azam as he contracted flu and did not take the field on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against New Zealand in Karachi. Instead, Sarfaraz Ahmed took over the leadership duties in his absence.

Sarfaraz marked his return to the Test side for the first time in almost four years against the Kiwis. Furthermore, Mohammad Rizwan took the field as the substitute fielder at the start of the day's play. Both sides will be eager to obtain a result in their favour.

It should be noted that neither side are in the running for a spot in the summit clash of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. In any case, Pakistan will look to overcome their recent failures in the longest format and register a win.