Wellington

Williamson’s burgeoning 215-run stand with Henry Nicholls, who was batting on 89, helped the hosts finish day two on a strong 286-3 in reply to Pakistan’s first innings total of 297.

New Zealand is already 1-0 up in the series and needs only a draw to rise to the top of the world rankings for the first time.

Earlier, openers Tom Blundell (16) and Tom Latham (33) fell in successive overs while Ross Taylor departed early after making 12 at the Hagley Oval.

With New Zealand potentially in trouble at 71-3, Williamson was initially circumspect and scored 10 runs off the first 50 balls he faced.

The New Zealand captain then brilliantly paced his innings, accelerating once he notched up his half-century.

BRIEF SCORES: Pakistan 297 vs New Zealand 286/3 in 85 overs (K Williamson 112 batting, H Nicholls 89 batting)

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