McCullum's fiery century punishes Pakistan

Skipper Brendon McCullum hit a robust 78-ball century to lead a strong New Zealand reply after spinner Mark Craig took seven wickets to outshine Pakistan in the third and final Test in Sharjah today.
McCullum was unbeaten on 100 -- his tenth century -- as New Zealand reached 164-1 at tea on the second day, 187 behind Pakistan's first-innings total of 351.
Kane Williamson was equally aggressive with 45-ball 44 not out as the duo punished a sloppy Pakistan attack during their 98-ball, 113 run, unbroken stand for the second wicket, lifting their efforts for a series-levelling win.
Pakistan lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test and drawing the second.

McCullum was severe against left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar, hitting four of his five sixes off him and hitting four boundaries in one paceman Mohammad Talha over before two quick singles completed his hundred.
This was the fastest hundred ever by a New Zealand batsman, beating the 81-ball hundred Ross Taylor made against Australia at Hamilton in 2010.

In all McCullum has so far hit 13 boundaries.
Earlier off-spinner Mark Craig took a career best 7-94 as Pakistan lost their last seven wickets for 70 runs to get bowled out for 351 after resuming at a strong 281-3.
Opener Mohammad Hafeez hit a career best 197 before he miscued a pull off leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and was caught at deep square-leg.

He hit 25 boundaries and three sixes during a dominating seven hour ten minute stay at the crease to better his previous highest of 196 made against Sri Lanka in Colombo two years ago.