Pakistan Fight Back On Day Four In Dubai Against New Zealand

Pakistan hold a slight edge over New Zealand at stumps on Day Four of the Second Test in Dubai.  The hosts trail by 177 runs needing four more wickets to chase a target for victory.  Thursday started with the Pakistanis 281/6.

They added just six runs for the loss of two wickets as the Black Caps looked to build a big first innings lead.  The tail wagged slightly but even at 312/9 the New Zealanders would have expected to be batting sooner rather than later.  However Sarfraz Ahmed stroked his way to a superb 112 and was ably assisted by Rahat Ali (16*) who did not throw his wicket away as the pair added 81 runs for the final wicket to reduce the Kiwi advantage to just 10 runs.

Trent Boult’s 3/69 was the best bowling return for the visitors.  The tourists were in trouble when batting second time around, even though it started well enough.  Tom Latham and Brendon McCullum put on 42 for the first wicket before Latham was out for 9 caught Asad Shafiq, bowled Yasir Shah.  Kane Williamson made 11 before Zulfiqar Babar had him caught by Taufeeq Umar.

It unravelled from 63/2 to 79/4 as McCullum (45) and Anderson departed.  Babar dismissed McCullum and would also nick James Neesham for 11 on his way to 3/60.  Yasir Shah claimed 3/65 as New Zealand closed on 167/6 with Ross Taylor standing tall, unbeaten on 77.  The Black Caps lead by 177 runs with four second innings wickets in tact at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.