Vettori's century puts Kiwis on top against Pakistan

Daniel Vettori's gritty century put his team in a strong position at 6 for 346 at stumps on day two of the third Test against Pakistan at McLean Park on Saturday.

Brendon McCullum, who fell for 89 just eight overs before the end of play, shared a 176-run stand with the New Zealand captain.

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria laid waste to the home side's middle order before tea, taking three wickets as the Black Caps slumped from 2 for 88 at lunch to 5 for 166 at the final break.

But Vettori knuckled down, belting 86 runs in the third session to reach his fifth Test century, stabilising the Black Caps' innings and putting them in front by 123 with four wickets in hand.

His unbeaten ton came off 127 deliveries that included nine boundaries and a six. Right-hander Daryl Tuffey (13 not out) had joined Vettori at the crease and the pair had put on 25 before stumps were drawn.

Kaneria finished with 4 for 119 from 37 overs after bowling unchanged for the entire second session. Mohammad Asif (1 for 69) and Umar Gul (1 for 95) took the other two wickets.

Kaneria's scalps included openers Tim McIntosh, who made a hard-fought 74, and Martin Guptill, whom the spinner trapped in front for 13.

Ross Taylor managed just 21 before popping a top edge to a running Mohammad Yousuf at backward square leg, and Daniel Flynn barely got started before falling caught behind for 5.

Pakistan scored 223 in its first innings on Friday, thanks mostly to opener Imran Farhat, who batted through the innings to finish on 117 not out.

McCullum and Tuffey combined for the final four wickets, which fell for 54 runs.

The Pakistani middle order contained three ducks and its number two and three batsmen combined for just 15 runs.