NZ reduce deficit to 59 runs at tea vs Pakistan

New Zealand's Brendon McCullum looks to cut the ball during their second innings on day three of the first test cricket match against Pakistan, in Hamilton. Reuters Photo

HAMILTON: New Zealand had moved to 33 without loss at tea on the third day of the first test in their second innings against Pakistan, to trim their deficit to 59 runs at Seddon Park on Sunday.

Brendon McCullum was on an aggressive 30, which included five boundaries, while Tim McIntosh was on a more circumspect two, having been dropped by Taufeeq Umar at first slip off Umar Gul and survived two confident lbw appeals.

Pakistan got bowled out for 367 midway through the session, an overall lead of 92 runs after New Zealand were dismissed for 275 on Saturday. The tourists had resumed on 314 for six after lunch with Adnan Akmal on 40 and left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman on 18, both looking comfortable on the flat pitch.

Akmal, however, added just four runs to his score before he was well caught at gully by a diving Jesse Ryder off Southee.

Rehman (28), who was dropped twice before lunch, was also dropped by Ross Taylor at first slip on the first delivery he faced after the break, before he chopped a Brent Arnel delivery onto his stumps straight after Akmals dismissal.

The wicket gave Arnel his best test figures, surpassing the three for 77 he took against Australia on the same ground last March.

Gul and Tanvir Ahmed then frustrated the New Zealand attack with a 33-run partnership with Gul smashing Arnel for a four and six, both back over the bowlers head, before Daniel Vettori trapped him in front for 17.

Tanvir was the last man out for 18 when he was caught by Southee off Chris Martin. Wahab Riaz was not out.

Arnel finished with figures of four for 95.

New Zealand had captured two wickets in two balls during the first session ! when Asa d Shafiq (83) and Misbah-ul-haq (62), who had rescued the visitors on Saturday after they slumped to 107 for four, were both given out lbw.