Early wickets fall but Pakistan still fighting

Chris Martin captured two early wickets on the fifth day of the match.Reuters photo

WELLINGTON: Chris Martin captured two early wickets while Daniel Vettori tormented the Pakistani batsmen as New Zealand pressed for victory on the final day of the second Test at the Basin Reserve on Wednesday.

Pakistan, chasing 274 to seal a 2-0 series victory, were 81 for three at lunch after Martin produced an inspired nine-over spell in which he took two for 24 and had the Pakistani batsmen frantically trying to see him off.

Vettori also provided some concerning moments for the visitors, introducing himself in the eighth over and getting bounce from the harder ball and turn out of the footmarks.

Younus Khan had problems against Vettori, surviving a confident lbw appeal and two balls popping just wide of fielders in the first over after drinks, but reached 24 while his captain Misbah-ul-haq was on 15 at the break.

New Zealand made the perfect start when Taufeeq Umar was trapped in front by Tim Southee for a duck on the first ball of the second over of the day, leaving the visitors at 4-1.

The hosts could have been even better placed when Martin appeared to have Mohammad Hafeez caught behind for nine with Pakistan on 10-1 though the appeal was turned down by umpire Rod Tucker.

Television replays suggested Hafeez had nicked the ball to wicketkeeper Reece Young. The umpire review system, however, is not being used in this series.

Martin then trapped Azhar Ali lbw for 10, then had Hafeez (32) caught by Ross Taylor at first slip in successive overs to leave Pakistan in trouble at 42 for three. Martin now has 199 test wickets.

Younus and Misbah however we! re begin ning to look more composed after the early fall of wickets, and now appear to be the key to either side sealing victory in the match.


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