New Zealand take firm grip on second test against Pakistan

ASIF HASSAN/ AFP

Matt Henry and Ajaz Patel have put New Zealand in the driving seat of the second test against Pakistan, in Karachi.

After stitching together a massive 104-run 10th-wicket partnership to power the visitors to 449 on day two, the duo took a wicket apiece to give their side the upper-hand.

Pakistan, who trail by 295 runs, will have their task cut out on Wednesday as they look to avoid a second straight series defeat on home soil to add to a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of England in December.

New Zealand resumed day two on 309-6, with batter Tom Blundell scoring a half-century at the National Stadium, before Henry and Patel both notched up career-best test scores of 68 and 35 respectively.

Their partnership was finally put to an end by Abrar Ahmed when Patel top-edged an attempted sweep into the hands of Agha Salman in the slips.

“It’s not very often I’m in here for my batting, so it’s always nice,” Henry told a news conference.

“I think the main thing is that when you’re contributing and putting your team in a good position, it’s always a good feeling.”

With the ball in hand, Henry then removed Abdullah Shafique, before Patel dismissed Shan Masood three overs later to leave the hosts reeling.

Imam-ul-Haq was able to steady the ship to an extent, combining with Babar Azam for 43 runs, but that partnership came to an end after a mix-up between the two led to the Pakistan captain being run out.

Imam was unbeaten on 74 with Saud Shakeel on 13 at stumps.

The two-match series is tied at 0-0 after the opening game, which was also played in Karachi, ended in a draw.