Asif strikes thrice as Pak close in on win

WELLINGTON: The Blackcaps were 70 for three at the end of an absorbing third day's play against Pakistan in the second Test at the Basin Reserve on Friday.
Scorecard
Pakistan began positively in the morning and looked comfortable at 197 for three shortly after lunch. Blackcaps quick Chris Martin then removed Umar Akmal for 51 to spark a collapse that saw the tourists get all out for 239.
It was an inspired bowling display by Martin who bowled with purpose in the middle session and was rewarded with figures of four for 52.Iain O'Brien also put in a spirited performance with four for 46. Mohammad Yousuf was the mainstay of the Pakistan innings with 83.
It was a poor start by the Blackcaps who lost Tim McIntosh in the second over for two. Martin Guptill (15) and Daniel Flynn (20) looked to steady the innings before they fell in quick succession to leave the home team teetering on 37 for three. It was left to Ross Taylor and Peter Fulton to see out the remaining 18 overs left in the day's play. The hosts require 335 runs for victory with seven wickets in hand.