Bell, Richardson score centuries

Openers Matthew Bell and Mark Richardson scored their maiden Test centuries as New Zealand reached 260 for two at stumps on the rain delayed third day of the third Test against Pakistan on Thursday.

New Zealand completely dominated the day's play as Bell (105) and Richardson put on 181 runs for their first wicket partnership in reply to Pakistan's 104.

Bell's first hundred came off 153 balls and apart from a close decision for a bat-pad decision when he was 83 on the first day, it was a chanceless knock. He was finally out lbw to one of Waqar Younis' trademark deliveries.

Richardson had nursed Bell to his century by embarking on quick singles to ensure his partner retained the strike.

Bell reached his hundred with a classic cover drive off Waqar and punched the air to salute the occasion. He had faced 269 balls and hit 14 fours and one six.

Apart from Bell, the only other Pakistan success was the dismissal of Mathew Sinclair, who was out for 27 after he mistimed a hook off Fazl-e-Akbar and lobbed a catch to Waqar at mid-on.

At stumps Richardson was 106 and Craig McMillan seven.

Mail Cricket Editor