New Zealand resume batting on day four as Pakistan seek wickets

DUBAI: New Zealand start day four of the second Test on 131 for two after being forced to follow-on by Pakistan in Dubai.

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah wrecked New Zealand with a career-best eight-wicket haul to leave the Kiwis facing the threat of an innings defeat after day three of the second Test.

Shah took eight first-innings wickets for 41 and added two more after New Zealand were forced to follow on, becoming the first bowler to take 10 wickets in a day since Indian Anil Kumble in 1999.

New Zealand at least showed some fight in their second innings, managing to get to 131 for two to trail Pakistan by 197 runs at stumps and keep the faintest glimmer of hope alive.

New Zealand lead the three-test series 1-0.

Six batsmen made ducks in the first innings, equalling an unwanted test record as New Zealand collapsed to 90 all out in reply to Pakistan’s 418 for five declared.
Pakistani spinner Yasir Shah (R) celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand batsman Neil Wagner as captain Kane Williamson (L) looks on during the third day of the second Test cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on November 26, 2018. Photo: AFP

New Zealand had reached 50 without loss before the veteran Shah took centre stage to devastating effect.

In one magical Shah over, New Zealand lost three key wickets, with opener Tom Latham (22), Ross Taylor (0) and Henry Nicholls (0) falling to change the course of the match.

That three-wicket maiden was a harbinger of worse to come for the Kiwis, and by the time Shah finished scything his way through their batting order, New Zealand had made their lowest-ever total under captain Kane Williamson.

Williamson was the sole beacon of hope for New Zealand in that woeful first innings, staying doggedly at the crease while wickets fell all around him and ending on 28 not out.
Pakistani spinner Yasir Shah (2R) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of New Zealand batsman Henry Nicholls during the third day of the second Test cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on November 26, 2018. Photo: AFP

Shah continued to make inroads when the Kiwis returned for their second innings.

The 32-year-old struck early to have opener Jeet Raval stumped for just two and Williamson caught behind for 30, before Taylor and Latham steadied the ship with a 65-run partnership for the third wicket.

New Zealand won the opening test in Abu Dhabi by four runs. The teams will return to the same venue for the final match from December 3 to 7.