NZ on Top Despite Debutant Umar's Terrific Ton

Dunedin: Shane Bond marked his return to Test cricket with four wickets to give New Zealand the upper hand in the first Test against Pakistan.

Pakistan end proceedings on 307 for 8 trailing by another 122 runs after having played 90 overs in the day. It was an excellent day of Test Cricket as both the sides had their moments but in the end, one has to say that New Zealand have the edge with a trail of over 100 runs and only a couple of wickets to take.

Pakistan did collapse early-on but the Akmal brothers stitched in a brilliant 176-run stand for the 6th wicket. Debutant Umar Akmal (129) went on to score a superb century on debut while his big brother Kamran Akmal (82) supported him quite well.

For the Kiwis, Martin struck twice at the start but then it was all Bond after that. He bagged 4 important wickets, bowling a superb line and with great pace. Towards the end, even Vettori chipped in with a couple of wickets.

Chris Martin made early inroads into the Pakistan batting order by dismissing openers Khurram Manzoor (6) and Imran Farhat (22), before Bond snared Fawad Alam, captain Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik, as Pakistan slipped to 85-5 in their first innings.

Earlier on day three, New Zealand were bowled out for 429, after adding 25 runs to their overnight score of 404-8. Pacer Mohammad Asif, also on return, took 4-108 while Mohammad Aamer, Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal took two wickets each.

New Zealand, who were boosted by Ross Taylor (94) and captain Daniel Vettori (99), frustrated the Pakistan bowlers as Shane Bond and Iain O'Brien scored freely.

Brief scores
New Zealand: 429 (Vettori 99, Taylor 94, McCullum 78, Asif 4-108)
Pakistan: 307 for 8 (Umar 129, Kamran Akmal 82, Bond 4-93, Martin 2-52)
Status: Pakistan trail by 122 runs

Scores	Upcoming	Results
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 5th T20I Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians - 43rd Match Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals - 44th Match 45th Match - Gujarat Titans v Royal Challengers Bangalore - April 28, 10:00 GMT 46th Match - Chennai Super Kings v Sunrisers Hyderabad - April 28, 14:00 GMT 42nd Match - Kolkata Knight Riders v Punjab Kings at Kolkata Punjab Kings won by 8 wickets (with 8 balls remaining) 4th T20I - Pakistan v New Zealand at Lahore New Zealand won by 4 runs

Rain Forces Draw in Napier Test and Series [+]

Rain had the final word in the third and final Test between New Zealand and Pakistan here on Tuesday as the two sides finished the three-match series at 1-1.

Pakistan 99 Lead But NZ Hold Slight Edge [+]

Pakistan, helped by fifties from the top four, had surged to a lead of 99 runs.

Openers Keep Pak Steady in Pursuit of Deficit [+]

Unbeaten half-centuries from openers Salman Butt and Imran Farhat guided Pakistan close to New Zealand's massive first-innings lead as the visitors ended the third day on 128 without loss in the third and final Test at McLean Park on Sunday.

Vettori Century Guides NZ Take Lead 123 runs [+]

Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum added 176 runs for the sixth wicket New Zealand 346-6 at stumps day 2 and take lead by 123-runs.

New Zealand Stay on Top Despite Farhat Ton [+]

Imran Farhat's (117*) unbeaten fighting ton helped Pakistan to manage 223 in their first innings on Day 1 of the third and final Test against New Zealand.

Pak vs NZ 3rd Test - Teams Aim Improve Batting in Decider [+]

Daniel Vettori's responsibilities have increased after it was agreed he would bat at No.6 in tomorrow's decider against Pakistan in Napier.

Shoaib Malik Dropped From Napier Test [+]

Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf confirmed that Shoaib Malik will not play in the third and final Test against New Zealand due to inconsistent form.

Watling Replace Fulton for Final Pakistan Test [+]

The in-form BJ Watling is in line for his Test debut after replacing Peter Fulton for the series-deciding third Test against Pakistan in Napier from Friday.

Five-star Asif Helps Pakistan Level Series [+]

A comprehensive 141-run win for Pakistan, who have leveled this series.

Iain O'Brien to Retire After Pak Series [+]

Iain O'Brien will retire from international cricket at the end of the Test series against Pakistan to move to the UK to be with his wife and play for Middlesex.