Martin And Vettori Star As Pakistanis Struggle

Martin And Vettori Star As Pakistanis Struggle

Chris Martin grabbed three wickets in Whangerai

©REUTERS/Anthony Phelps (NEW ZEALAND SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

New Zealand XI 384 (McCullum 206) v
Pakistanis 234-8 (Misbah-ul-Haq 99no)
Tour game, Whangerai, day two

Chris Martin and Daniel Vettori took three wickets apiece as the touring Pakistanis closed day two of their tour game against a New Zealand XI on 234 for eight in reply for 384.

However, there was a highlight for Pakistan in that captain Misbah-ul-Haq was unbeaten at stumps on 99, the only batsman to hold firm as New Zealand put the tourists under severe pressure.

Quick bowler Martin dismissed Mohammad Hafeez (4), Taufeeq Umar (1) and Younus Khan (7) as the Pakistanis slumped to 22 for three and when Azhar Ali was trapped in front by Trent Boult, they were 39 for four.

Misbah and Asad Shafiq (19) launched a partial recovery before Vettori dismissed Shafiq, Abdur Rehman (20) and Umar Gul (24) to ensure it was New Zealand's day.

Wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal also gave Misbah solid support with 35 and the captain faced 197 balls, hitting ten fours and three sixes.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan dismissed the home side with left-arm fast bowler Sohail Tanvir taking four for 63 and pacer Gul three for 61.

Tim Southee's 21 not out was the top score on day two for New Zealand - on day one, Brendon McCullum stroked 206 and Tim McIntosh 51 to put them in a strong position.

The first Test between the two sides gets underway on 7th January in Hamilton.

© Cricket World 2011