History man Yasir tells Pakistan to rise to challenge in UAE

Yasir Shah has urged his Pakistan teammates not to let their chance of a series win over New Zealand slip after he entered the record books as the fastest man to take 200 Test wickets.

The spin king needed just one wicket to break the record set 82 years ago by the great Australian leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett who needed 36 Tests to reach the milestone.

When Yasir trapped nightwatchman Will Somerville LBW for four with his 13th delivery of the day, he reached the 200-wicket mark in just his 33rd Test.

“Ever since I knew this record it became my dream to be the fastest to 200 wickets and it came true today,” Yasir said. by the close to give them a lead of 198. And having failed to chase 176 in the first Test Yasir is only too aware that a good start is vital today to give Pakistan the best shot at winning the three-match series 2-1.

“The wicket is slow but it is turning from the patches. We want to bowl them and try to go for the chase,” the 32-year-old said. “That is what we are going to try as there is still one full day left in the match.”

Having seen Yasir take the early wicket of Somerville, Pakistan sensed the chance of an emphatic win when Shaheen Shah Afridi had Ross Taylor caught hooking for 22 with the total at 60 for four, the Kiwis still 14 behind the hosts firstinnings total.

But another Williamson masterclass — his 19th Test ton — put paid to any ideas of an easy win as he and Henry Nicholls (90 not out) gave the Kiwis the edge.