The equation is simple for Pakistan on the final day of the second Test against New Zealand.
They need 274 runs to win the Test and the series 2-0 with 10 wickets in hand. Their biggest threat will be Daniel Vettori who can be more than a handful on a fifth day pitch with his crafty left-arm spin. The hosts started the day positively when openers Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum added 120 runs for the first wicket. Soon after lunch Abdur Rehman removed McCullum for 64. New Zealand were still going good at 166-2 before a middle order collapse was triggered by Mohammad Hafeez (2-31) and then Umar Gul who polished off the tail to end with 4-61.
In the final session of the day New Zealand lost their last seven wickets for 112 runs. They could have easily taken their lead in excess of 300 but Pakistan bowled well in the post tea session. Gul was unlucky not to claim a hat-trick just before the close when after taking two wickets, Chris Martin managed to evade a fast in-swinger.
Pakistan showed good fight towards the end of day and they need to keep up the good work on day five. Pakistan will be wrong if aim for a draw. Playing their natural game and showing positive intent will be the right approach. Daniel Vettori should be dealt with caution. A solid opening stand and then good contribution from Younis Khan will be vital for Pakistan’s success.
Star of the day: Umar Gul couldn’t make much of an impression in the first two sessions of the day. However, he proved to be a different bowler in the final session when he bowled at good speeds with the right direction to finish off the New Zealand innings. Gul first removed Ross Taylor and then got rid of Daniel Vettori and Brent Arnel of successive deliveries. He was unlucky not to complete his hat-trick.
Moment that Mattered: Pakistani bowlers instigated another middle order New Zealand batting collapse to set up a thrilling final day contest. Hosts were doing well at tea at 181-3 but first Mohammad Hafeez took two quick wickets and then Umar Gul bowled appreciably well with the old ball taking four wickets. New Zealand lost seven wickets for 112 runs in the final session.
