NZ strikes early to have Pakistan reeling
ABU DHABI: New Zealand knocked over Pakistan’s top order after setting a daunting 280run target on day five of the deciding third test yesterday.
Pakistan was 55 for five at lunch and in danger of losing only its second test series in 10 years in the United Arab Emirates.
Seamers Tim Southee and Colin de Grandhomme reduced Pakistan to 32 for two by dismissing Mohammad Hafeez for eight and Azhar Ali for five.
Colin de Grandhomme then took the wicket of Azhar Ali before offspinner Will Somerville, playing his first test for the Blacks Caps, struck twice to snare Haris Sohail and firstinnings century maker Asad Shafiq.
Earlier, Henry Nicholls hit an unbeaten century as New Zealand went on a run spree despite losing captain Kane Williamson for 139 off the first ball of the day.
The Black Caps belted 81 runs in nine overs before declaring their second innings at 353 for seven inside the first hour for an overall lead of 279 runs.
Nicholls remained 126 not out off 266 balls that featured 12 boundaries as the lefthander scored 36 quick runs after resuming on 90.
Legspinner Yasir Shah claimed four for 129 while leftarm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi finished with two for 85.
On day four, after New Zealand appeared perilously placed at 26 for two, skipper Williamson batted the rough the day with Nicholls keeping him company on 90 as New Zealand reached 272 for four at stumps to swing the test in its favour.
The teams are tied 11 in the threematch series.
New Zealand lost nightwatchman Somerville in the seventh over of the morning, trapped lbw by Shah.
Shah’s fifth wicket of the contest in his 33rd test enabled him to replace Australian Clarrie Grimmett as the fastest man to claim 200 test victims.
Pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi then had Ross Taylor caught at square leg as the veteran batsman looked to pull one away, but that was as much joy as Pakistan would have on a Sheikh Zayed Stadium track that has steadily improved for batting.
After coming together at 60 for four, Williamson and Nicholls rode their luck to put on an unbroken 212run stand for the fifth wicket.
Shah in particular was guilty of poor fielding, dropping Williamson on 80 and 106, while ImamulHaq missed a sharp catch after lefthander Nicholls reached his halfcentury.
Pakistan tightened up to lower the scoring rate but could not stop Williamson from completing his 19th test century and Nicholls from inching closer to his third.
New Zealand won the opening test in Abu Dhabi by four runs before Pakistan squared the threematch series with victory in the second test in Dubai by an innings and 16 runs. — AP/ Reuters