Abu Dhabi: Leg-spinner Yasir Shah and seamer Hasan Ali clinched five-wicket hauls reclaim the ascendancy for Pakistan in the first Test against New Zealand at the Zayed Cricket Stadium here on Sunday.
Yasir, in particular, looked deadly with his leg-spin, as he claimed four straight wickets in the final session of play. He returned figures of 5/110 in his 37-over spell.
Hasan, on the other hand, impressed in the morning session. The pacer completed his fifer by claiming the last Kiwi wicket, though, as he dismissed Trent Boult to cap New Zealand’s innings.
Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez remained unbeaten as the hosts ended the day at 37/0 in pursuit of a 176-run target.
The contest was perfectly in balance when New Zealand started the day at 56/1, 18 runs adrift of Pakistan, with Kane Williamson and Jeet Raval at the crease.
They continued to impress till New Zealand tallied a 10-run lead over the hosts.
Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling stitched a 112-run partnership between them, helping New Zealand to 249 runs, leaving Pakistan a target of 176 to win.
Pakistan openers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez remained unbeaten as the hosts ended the day at 37/0. (UNI)
