Pakistan has tightened the noise on New Zealand by not only setting a mammoth target of 405 runs but has also reduced the home side at 70 for three by the close of third day’s play at Wellington Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf returned form with solid 83while the start in the making Umer Akmal produced a quickfire 52. And Mohammad Asif having taken four wickets in the first innings took all the three New Zealand wickets that fell on the day.

Fulton and Taylor, the two Kiwi batsmen on crease, having been dropped by Yousuf and Misbahul Haq holding the homeside hopes of delaying the win for Pakistan. Ross Taylor (15) and Peter Fulton (12) were unbeaten at the close of play and how long they would last at the crease is anybody’s guess. But in cricket anything is possible.

Chasing 405 seemed  like a life time burden for New Zealand and the early dismissal of their openers gave a true picture of pressure the home team feels it was in.

Had Yousuf not dropped an easy absolute sitter off Umer Gul and Misbah likewise off Danish Kaneria, New Zealand would’ve been in greater strife.

In fact it was Asif who has made things tougher for Kiwis by using the conditions to his advantage and pushing them to the wall. He trapped Tim McIntosh in front for 2 in the second over, had Martin Guptill edge the ball onto his stumps on 15 before dismissing Daniel Flynn on 20 two overs later. He finished with 3 for 19 from 11 overs.

Resuming the innings earlier in the day, Yousuf displayed a mature innings, teaching the cricket followers as to how the games is played in test cricket. He played like a true captain combined with patient getting score bit by bit and increasing the lead.

In the morning, he was ably supported by Misbah and once he was back in the pavilion, Umar held the fort with the captain.