Pakistan Claim Narrow Lead As Misbah Misses Ton

Pakistan Claim Narrow Lead As Misbah Misses Ton

New Zealand players celebrate taking the wicket of Misbah-ul-Haq, who made 99 on the third day in Wellington

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

New Zealand 356 (Vettori 110) & 9-0 v
Pakistan 376 (Misbah-ul-Haq 99)
Second Test, Wellington, day three
Scorecard

New Zealand closed day three of the second Test against Pakistan in Wellington just 11 runs behind as neither side could take a firm hold of the match.

Replying to New Zealand's 356, Pakistan eked out a lead of 20 runs as Misbah-ul-Haq and Younus Khan scored half-centuries before New Zealand closed on nine without loss in their second innings.

Azhar Ali moved on to 69 before he was caught by Ross Taylor off Chris Martin but Misbah (99) and Younus (73) put on 142 for the fourth wicket.

However, the final seven wickets fell for 90 runs as New Zealand hit back, Daniel Vettori returning four for 100 and Martin four for 91 to leave precious little between the sides with an innings remaining.

Martin Guptill (1 not out) and Brendon McCullum (6 not out) then survived five overs before stumps.

Day one saw New Zealand win the toss and slump to 160 for six, despite Kane Williamson's 78, but recover to 246 for six thanks to the efforts of Vetori and Young. Vettori completed his century on the second day before striking late to remove Taufeeq Umar for 70.

Pakistan lead the two-match series 1-0 following a ten-wicket win in the opening match in Hamilton.

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