Spoils Equal In The Land Of The Long White Cloud

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori hit 110 before Pakistan came back strongly on the second day of the second Test in Wellington.

Vettori's sixth Test century steered the Kiwis from 246/6 overnight, as he and Reece Young added 138 for the seventh wicket in a total of 356.

New Zealand's progress centred on the stand, as Pakistan's attack played into the home side's hands with an unimaginative approach during the morning session.

Pakistan’s batsmen did however show their worth with Taufeeq Umar and Azhar Ali making half-centuries to lead a strong response.

Taufeeq's late departure left Pakistan at 134/2, and the game evenly balanced going into the third day.

Pakistan, whose bowling was led by Umar Gul, lost Mohammad Hafeez in the second over for just one.

New Zealand, looking for the win which will ensure the series ends drawn, was on course for the 400 mark before Young was out caught behind 10 minutes before lunch.

Home captain Vettori lost two more partners quickly after play resumed and was still on 96 when last man Chris Martin, a notorious bunny averaging just over 2, made his way out to the middle. He managed to survive for long enough to get the captain to his landmark before Abdur Rehman took the final wicket.

New Zealand's seamers came out with purpose from the get-go, and plugged away on a length despite not getting much assistance from a road of a wicket.

Southee got New Zealand going with the ball when removing Hafeez early on; however Umar and Ali dominated proceedings with some fine strokes thereafter.

Taufeeq set the tone with a rather aggressive approach driving square when offered width, and straight when not.

Azhar was more cautious and survived a couple of outside edges.

Vettori continued his form on the bowling front, testing the batsmen with a number of line and lengths before claiming Umar’s wicket on the final ball of the day.