PAK vs NZ 2022-23: Kane Williamson opines on the ‘challenge’ to bat in Asia

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson opened up pn the ‘challenge’ to bat in the Asian subcontinent during the Test match against Pakistan at the National Stadium, Karachi. It appears that a weight has been lifted off Williamson's shoulder as the batter smashed a double-hundred in his first match after stepping down from captaincy.

The former skipper was in dominant form as he hammered an unbeaten 200 from 395 balls which included 21 boundaries and one maximum. After achieving the milestone on Day 4, the 32-year-old said that it was a challenge to bat in Asia.

"It is always a challenge to bat in Asia. I would not put them all in the same group, but as a team we are always trying to adjust to the conditions to put a good performance on the board. These were a good few days, but Test cricket going into day five, there is a lot left in the match, so we are very much focused on that,” Williamson said in the press conference after stumps on Day 4.

Kane Williamson breaks Brendon McCullum's record in Karachi Test

Following his 200-run innings, Williamson broke Brendon McCullum's record for most Test double hundreds as it marked his fifth double ton. Kiwi legend McCullum is second on the list with four double centuries followed by Ross Taylor (3) and Stephen Fleming (3) third and fourth in the list respectively.

In the match, Pakistan captain Babar Azam clattered 161 runs off 280 balls thereby helping his side post 438 runs on the board. In response, Williamson’s 200* and Tom Latham’s century (113 runs) propelled the side to score 612 for nine before declaring their first batting innings.

Team Pakistan is now on the lookout to set a competitive total on the board and will aim for a result in their favour. Babar Azam and Co. would be gearing for a win as they have not been successful in recent times courtesy of the whitewash (3-0) the side dealt with against England.