Pakistan push New Zealand to doors of defeat, sets 405 to win in final test - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

The Pakistan team is eyeing a series-levelling victory against New Zealand after setting a target of 405 runs and again having the New Zealand team on the back foot at 70 for three at stumps on day three of the second Test being played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Pakistan's second innings folded between lunch and tea for 239, when seven wickets toppled for mere 42 runs, though it barely offered a glimmer of hope to a New Zealand side who only managed a meagre 99 during their first visit to the crease yesterday. New Zealand at 70 for three is still 335 runs adrift, the only consolation being Ross Taylor's continued presence at the crease. Taylor was at the crease at 15 and Peter Fulton has 12 though both had lives on 13 and three respectively as Pakistan's catching woes continue. If New Zealand are to complete the fourth highest successful run chase in test history and eclipse their previous best pursuit of 324 for five against Pakistan at Christchurch in 1994, much will rely on New Zealand's only in-form batsman, New Zealand Press Association reported. Earlier in the day, Iain O'Brien and Chris Martin each took four wickets in Pakistan's innings, which was led by 83 from Mohammad Yousuf and 52 to Umar Akmal.