Pakistan takes slender lead

January 17, 2011 09:02 am | Updated 11:16 pm IST - WELLINGTON

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq fell agonisingly short of a century when he was trapped lbw on 99 as New Zealand clawed its way back into the second Test on Monday.

Pakistan was all out for 376 in reply to the Kiwi score of 356, leaving the Test evenly poised after New Zealand received a lucky break when an umpiring error cost Younis his wicket, breaking a 142-run partnership with Misbah.

Pakistan had been cruising at 286 for three until the last ball before tea, when Jesse Ryder caught Younis at short-leg off a Daniel Vettori delivery that television replays showed missed the bat.

Younis departed on 73, shaking his head at a decision that sparked a Pakistan collapse as New Zealand skipper Vettori and paceman Chris Martin tore through the line-up to finish with four wickets apiece.

Umpiring error

It was the latest in a spate of umpiring errors that have marred the two-Test series in which the umpire referral system is not in use.

While Younis could feel justifiably miffed at umpire Rod Tucker, the most disappointed player at Wellington's Basin Reserve was probably Misbah, who looked set to reach his third Test century and guide his side to a big lead.

After occupying the crease for more than five hours, facing 207 balls and providing the backbone of Pakistan's innings, Misbah was dismissed lbw on 99 when a Chris Martin delivery cut back on him.

His teammates could not capitalise on his hard work, giving Pakistan a slender first innings lead of 20, which Black Caps' openers Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum had whittled down to 11 by stumps.

But the Kiwis will be hoping that bad weather, which is forecast to affect play on Tuesday and Wednesday, does not provide a draw that would give Pakistan a series win.

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