Younis falls as 2nd Test reaches climax

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]



WELLINGTON: Younis Khan was dismissed in the final over before tea to leave the second test between Pakistan and New Zealand finely balanced on the last day on
Wednesday.

The tourists were 160 for four at tea and need a further 114 runs in the final session to win the two-test series 2-0, having won the first match in Hamilton by 10 wickets.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq was on 37, having helped Younis (81) grind his way to a 22nd Test half century, to recover Pakistan's run chase after they had slumped to 42 for
three in the first session at a sun-drenched Basin Reserve.

Misbah, who had been batting for almost four hours and faced 122 deliveries, and Younis looked to have given up any pretence of chasing down the target between tea and lunch before they slowly began to increase the scoring rate.

The capture of the wicket of Younis, caught by Reece Young off Tim Southee, however, has given New Zealand the sniff of victory if they can strike early after tea.

The previous two days' final sessions have seen six wickets fall on each day.

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

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.