Hamilton Test: Black Caps secure 55 run lead on rain-curtailed day

Hamilton [New Zealand], Nov.27 (ANI): Tim Southee, New Zealand's bowling mainstay, took a six-wicket haul to help the hosts secure a 55-run lead on a damp third day of the second and final Test against Pakistan here at Seddon Park. Only 38.1 overs of play was possible in the entire day. A short shower spell forced lunch eight minutes early, and only six balls were possible in the second session. Resuming at the overnight score of 76 for 5 and trailing by 195, Pakistan's innings ended 5.2 overs into the third session before they narrowed down the deficit to 55, after which the New Zealand openers came out and faced one ball before it rained again. For Pakistan, Babar Azam was left stranded ten short of a maiden Test hundred as he watched teammates getting out at the other end. He shared crucial partnerships with 74 for the sixth wicket with Sarfraz Ahmed and 74 for the sixth wicket with Sarfraz Ahmed to narrow down the deficit. However, the hosts came back strongly, taking the last four wickets for only 24 runs. Southee, who wrecked havoc on the Azhar Ali-led side, went for 32 runs in the first three overs of the day. However, he came back with a magical spell, showing great skills of seam and swing fast bowling and finally ending with a six-wicket haul. New Zealand were all out for 271 in their first innings. When the day was called off on Day Two, the Black Caps were 0-0 with Aamir Khan bowling the lone delivery of the second innings. The Black Caps are had won the first Test comfortably by eight wickets in Christchurch. (ANI)