NZ FIGHTBACK AFTER AZHAR, ASAD TONS
Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq hit centuries to leave Pakistan in command on day three of the third and final Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi despite a batting collapse that curtailed their first-innings lead.
Azhar hit an attractive 134 for his 15th Test hundred while Shafiq scored 104, but debutant New Zealand off-spinner Will Somerville took four wickets to restrict Pakistan to 348 all out.
Pakistan appeared set to build a huge lead before collapsing from 286 for three to lose their final seven wickets for the addition of just 62 runs.
The 34-year-old Somerville finished with four for 75 while leftarm spinner Ajaz Patel took two for 100 and pace spearhead Trent Boult chipped in with two for 66.
That gave Pakistan a 74-run lead the same they got in the first Test at the same venue before losing by four runs.
New Zealand were then reduced to 26 for two at stumps with Kane Williamson unbeaten on 14 and night-watchman Somerville on one not out to leave them trailing by 48 runs with eight wickets intact.
AFP -