Pakistan at 32-1 at lunch time were comfortably placed and chasing 261 for victory after a brilliant century by Ross Taylor lifted New Zealand in the second Test in Dubai on Friday.
Taylor’s 104 for his 12th Test century enabled New Zealand to declare their second innings at 250-9 and push for a series-leveling win on the fifth and final day.
At the lunch break Shan Masood (11) and Azhar Ali (13) were at the crease as Pakistan needs 229 more runs to win in 58 overs or bat out the last two sessions for a draw.
Paceman Tim Southee had opener Taufeeq Umar caught behind for four with a rising delivery to check Pakistan’s progress in an extended two-and-a-half hour session due to Friday prayers.
Taylor, who had just 31 runs in the three previous innings of the series, batted with authority during his 200-minute stay at the crease studded with 12 boundaries.
New Zealand, resuming at 167-6, looked for quick runs which came once Taylor reached his hundred with a single off seamer Ehsan Adil. It took him 129 balls to reach the three-figure mark.
Leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who finished with his first five-wicket haul for figures of 5-79, removed Taylor and Mark Craig (34) in the same over.
