New Zealand's three-Test series against Pakistan will come down to the wire on Tuesday, with both teams in a good position to win the final Test on the fifth day at Napier.
New Zealand's three-Test series against Pakistan will come down to the wire on Tuesday, with both teams in a good position to win the final Test on the fifth day at Napier.
ADVERTISEMENT
At stumps on day four, the tourists held a 99-run lead with six wickets in hand after all four of their dismissed batsmen made half-centuries to help Pakistan reach 4 for 347 in its second innings.
With the Test series tied at one apiece, the final day will see the Black Caps' bowlers attempt to dismiss Pakistan as cheaply as possible before allowing their batsmen to chase down a hopefully-small final innings total.
After resuming on Monday morning at 128 without loss, Martin Guptil struck almost immediately, snagging Salman Butt caught-and-bowled for 66 on the third ball of the morning.
Imran Farhat (61) only added six to his overnight score before falling in the same manner as his opening partner.
But Faisal Iqbal and skipper Mohammad Yousuf put on a fine display of batting throughout the day, despite rain delays in the second and third sessions.
Iqbal was sent back to the sheds two overs before the tea break but Pakistan had already started amassing a lead over the Black Caps' first innings of 471.
He poked at a shorter Chris Martin delivery and sent a thick edge to Ross Taylor at first slip, who had coughed up an easy chance five overs earlier.
Yousuf shared a 59-run partnership with Umar Akmal (48 not out) before he was caught behind off Iain O'Brien on 89.
The Pakistan captain walked without waiting for umpire Rudi Koertzen's decision.
Guptill returned the best figures of the New Zealand bowlers with 2 for 28 from 11, while Martin had 1 for 55 and O'Brien 1 for 85.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
