Latham slams 13th Test ton, most by a NZ opener
New Zealand opener Tom Latham has registered his 13th century in Tests. The left-handed batter reached the three-figure mark on Day 3 of the 1st Test against Pakistan at the National Stadium, Karachi. Latham, who completed his second Test ton in 2022, added 183 runs with Devon Conway for the opening wicket. The former now has the most Test tons by a NZ opener.
Latham, Conway give NZ a solid start
Latham and Conway set the tone of New Zealand's innings in the final session on Day 2. The duo added 165 runs for the opening wicket and returned unbeaten. Nauman Ali removed Conway in the morning session on Day 3. The latter finished on 92 off 176 balls. Conway became the fastest New Zealand batter to complete 1,000 Test runs (19 innings).
Third Test ton against Pakistan
Latham brought up his hundred in the 60th over off 161 balls. He has raced to his third century against Pakistan in Test cricket. He also owns four fifties against them. Latham became the ninth NZ batter with over 600 Test runs against Pakistan.
Most Test tons by a New Zealand opener
As stated, Latham has slammed his 13th century in Test cricket. He now has the most Test tons by a New Zealand opener, surpassing the long-standing record of John Wright (12). Notably, Latham and Wright are the only NZ openers with over 10 tons in Test cricket. Glenn Turner is Wright's closest rival with seven Test hundreds.
Latham goes past 4,700 Test runs
Spinner Abrar Ahmed dismissed Latham in the 70th over. He smashed 113 off 191 balls, a knock laced with 10 fours. Latham, who made his Test debut in 2014, now has 4,707 runs in the format at an average of 41.65. He has the second-most Test runs by a NZ opener. The tally includes 23 half-centuries and the best score of 264*.
Record partnership with Conway
Latham and Conway added 183 runs for the opening wicket before the latter got dismissed. This is the highest opening stand by a New Zealand pair in Tests on Pakistan soil. Overall, this was the joint-second-highest partnership by a Kiwi pair in Pakistan in Tests. Richard Hadlee and Warren Lees top the list, having added 186 runs for the seventh wicket in 1976.
