• Pakistan posted 317 for 5 on the board after winning the toss.

  • Babar Azam hit his ninth Test century whereas Sarfaraz Ahmed scored 86 in Karachi.

Twitter reactions: Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed flatten New Zealand on Day 1 – PAK vs NZ, 1st Test

Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam scored his ninth Test century and remained not out on 161 at the end of the first day’s play in the series opener against New Zealand, helping the host team reach 317/5.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, making his 50th Test appearance and first at home, contributed 86 runs off 153 balls. Ahmed and Babar shared a 196-run partnership for the fifth wicket, which lasted 56.3 overs and put Pakistan in a strong position.

Despite using three spinners, New Zealand was unable to effectively control the run flow, with economy rates ranging from 3.4 to 4.9. Sarfaraz was dismissed in the 86th over, caught by Patel at first slip, ending the partnership with Babar.

Babar narrowly avoided being given out lbw off Patel’s bowling late in the day, but successfully challenged the decision and remained not out on 161 at stumps, with Agha Salman on three not out.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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CATEGORY: Babar Azam Twitter Reactions

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ANIRUDH SINGH
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