The New Zealand cricketers finished strongly to take the honours again on day three of their second test against Pakistan in Dubai.
After Younus Khan and Azhar Ali featured in a century-plus partnership for the third wicket, the Black Caps picked up another three wickets in the final session to reduce the hosts to 281 for 6, still 122 runs behind on the first innings.
The Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali in action against New Zealand in Dubai 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi was the most successful of the six New Zealand bowlers taking 2 wickets for 65 from 30 overs.
Pakistan lost Asad Shafiq in seamer Tim Southee's penultimate over for 44 to close the third day on 6-281, still trailing by 122 runs on New Zealand's first innings total of 403.
Sarfraz Ahmed was unbeaten on 28 and Yasir Shah on one in a day when the Pakistani batsmen failed to score big after getting good starts.
Trent Boult, who got the prized wicket of Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq, termed it a good day for New Zealand.
"From our point of view it was a successful day, we are in a good position and the focus tomorrow will be to get a good lead to force a result in our favour."
Pakistan, resuming at 2-34 saw off the first session without losing any wicket as Younis Khan (72) and Azhar Ali (75) shared a 113-run stand for the third wicket.
But New Zealand got four wickets in the next two sessions to press home their claims for a useful lead and in turn improve their chances for a series-levelling win.
Pakistan won the first Test by 248 runs in Abu Dhabi.
The third and final Test begins in Sharjah from November 26th.
