Pakistan need 139 runs to beat New Zealand in first Test

ABU DHABI - Yasir Shah and Hasan Ali both recorded five-wicket hauls to put  Pakistan on course for victory in the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

New Zealand were in course to take a healthy lead and set a good target. Henry Nicholls (55) and BJ Watling (59) built a solid partnership and reached to half centuries. But it all began after the dismissal of Nicholls and Yasir Shah opened the gates by picking up two quick wickets. Trent Boult was the last Kiwi batsman to be dismissed.

Hasan took three of the first four wickets to fall, with Yasir castling New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, as the Black Caps slipped to 108-4 in their second innings.

https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1064135784201097216

The 24-year-old dedicated his maiden five-for in Tests to bowling coach Azhar Mahmood. “I came in the team at the same time he joined and the hard work he has put with us is outstanding,” he was quoted as saying.

New Zealand’s lurch from 220-4 to 249 all out left a victory target of 176 for Pakistan, whose openers Imam-ul-Haq (25 not out) and Mohammad Hafeez (8 not out) took them to 37 without loss at the end of day three.

https://twitter.com/PCBLive_PK/status/1064139891271856129

Brief score:

NZ 249 (100.4 ov) | Henry 55, Watling 59 | Hasan 5/45, Yasir 5/110
PAK 37/0 (8 ov) | Imam 25*, Hafeez 8*