Misbah falls a run short

Of Third Test Century:

New Zealand were nine without loss at the close of play on the third day of the second test against Pakistan on Monday, after the visitors had been bowled out shortly before stumps at the Basin Reserve.

Brendon McCullum (six) and Martin Guptill (one) safely negotiated the five overs they needed to face to ensure New Zealand entered the fourth day with a small deficit of 11 runs after the visitors were dismissed for 376. Captain Misbah-ul-haq had led from the front for Pakistan, who are seeking their first test series victory since 2006, falling one run short of his third test century and having shared in a 142-run partnership with Younus Khan (73).

The 36-year-old skipper had been incredibly patient as he clawed his way to 99 off 206 balls, but shuffled across his stumps to try to force a Chris Martin delivery to the leg-side only to be hit in front and given out lbw. Martin, who had bowled an impressive spell between lunch and tea without reward, captured four for 91 while New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori finished with four for 100.

WELLINGTON, Reuters