New Zealand strike back against Pakistan

New Zealand struck back to take three wickets in the post-tea session on the third day of the second Test against Pakistan in Christchurch on Saturday.

Pakistan were 341 for six at stumps, 135 runs behind New Zealand's first innings total, with Yousuf Youhana on 73 and Saqlain Mushtaq on 20.

After going to tea at 232 for three, Pakistan were cruising towards a draw which would retain their 1-0 series lead after their win in the first Test in Auckland last week.

But two wickets in quick succession put the skids under the tourists. Inzamam-ul-Haq was the first to go for 130, caught at first slip off Chris Martin after one of his few errors of judgment all day.

Inzamam batted for 318 minutes, faced 241 balls and hit 22 fours and a six. He shared a partnership with Faisal Iqbal -- out soon after lunch for his second consecutive half-century -- of 132 and another of 102 with Youhana.

Younis Khan, a thorn in the side of New Zealand at Auckland when he scored 91 and 149 not out, was out without scoring when he got a nick to a ball from Daryl Tuffey and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Adam Parore.

Pakistan captain Moin Khan came in and customarily hit out. He was successful until, at 28, he picked out Martin at wide long-on, who took a comfortable catch to give Grant Bradburn his first Test wicket since 1992.

Youhana meantime continued to bat serenely and has hit his 13th Test half-century.

New Zealand were bowling with a weakened attack after debutant medium-fast bowler Chris Drum fell and dislocated his shoulder soon after tea in racing, successfully, to cut off a drive from Inzamam that was destined for the boundary.

Pakistan are chasing New Zealand's 476, the highlight of which was a chanceless 204 not out from Mathew Sinclair.

The chances of a result in this match appear remote, with the pitch a batsman's paradise. Unless Pakistan collapse early on Sunday, it seems likely the match will meander along to a draw.

New Zealand have to make all the moves, as Pakistan will be in no hurry to give them any chance of victory, and the home side's chances are weakened without a frontline bowler like Drum.

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