New Zealand remain on top after taking out Pakistan’s top and middle order

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Despite half-centuries from Azhar Ali and Younis Khan, Pakistan’s batting line-up faltered against New Zealand on the third day of the second Test in Dubai.

Starting out the day on 34/2, Ali and Khan converted their two-run partnership into a 113-run partnership, during which Khan brought up his half-century, before he was caught by Mark Craig at cover off the bowling of James Neesham.

Khan’s brilliant knock of 72 came off 160 balls and included seven boundaries and two sixes.

Khan’s superb form with the bat continued

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Ali and Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq kept the runs flowing with a 50-run partnership, during which Ali registered his half-century, before ul-Haq was caught by Ross Taylor at first slip off the bowling of Trent Boult for 28.

Ali went on to score 75 off 225 deliveries, which included six boundaries and a six, before he was clean bowled by Ish Sodhi.

Ali hit six boundaries and a six during his knock of 75

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed steadied the innings with a 59-run partnership before Shafiq was caught by Taylor at first slip off the bowling of Tim Southee.

With only a few balls left before stumps was called, Ahmed and Yasir Shah put together an unbeaten two-run partnership.

Ahmed finished on 28 off 47 balls, which included four boundaries, while Shah remained undefeated on one.

Sodhi was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Southee, Boult, Craig and Neesham chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Pakistan ended day three on 281/6 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 06:00 GMT.