TEST ROUND-UP: Williamson nearing another ton; SL in control at Centurion

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson survived two dropped catches as he closed in on his hundred on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan at Mount Maunganui.

Williamson, who reached stumps unbeaten on 94, shared a century partnership with Ross Taylor (70) to rescue the Black Caps after Shaheen Afridi had reduced them to 13-2.

But both Afridi and Naseem Shah saw the home skipper put down in the slips, while Henry Nicholls was also handed a life as New Zealand ended the first day in a comfortable position at 222-3.

FULL SCOREBOARD: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-v-pakistan-2020-21-1233950/new-zealand-vs-pakistan-1st-test-1233962/live-cricket-score

………………………

Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva batted Sri Lanka into a strong position with a century partnership on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa at Centurion.

Chandimal (85) and Dhananjaya (79) led a spirited recovery from 54-3 as they equalled their country’s record fourth-wicket stand of 131 against South Africa and laid the foundations for a total of 340-6 at stumps.

But Sri Lanka are waiting to learn whether they will be without Dhananjaya for the rest of the match after the all-rounder pulled up with an apparent thigh strain and was forced to retire hurt.

South Africa seamer Wiaan Mulder, recalled for the first time since his first Test appearance – also against Sri Lanka, almost two years ago – bowled his side back into contention with two quick wickets in the final session.

FULL SCOREBOARD: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-in-sa-2020-21-1237354/south-africa-vs-sri-lanka-1st-test-1237356/live-cricket-score