NZ vs PAK Ball by Ball Commentary

6:03 AM IST Right! Test cricket is well and truly alive. If someone tells you otherwise, show them the scorecard of this game. What an end to 2020. That's all from this game then. New Zealand take the lead in the 2-match series and at the same time, replace Australia from the top position in the ICC rankings. Yes. They are the number 1 Test team in the world. The number one team now will meet Pakistan in 2021. That game will begin on 3rd January 2021. The action will start at 1100 local (2200 GMT, the previous day). Join us for that. Until then, cheers and take care.

5:53 AM IST Kane Williamson, the New Zealand skipper, is back for a chat. He says that he is very happy with their ranking but it is great to come back with a win. Goes onto say that they played their best. Adds that the prospect of playing the final of the ICC World Test Championship final is a great motivator. Adds that they try their best to manufacture a result. Adds that there was always that chance of losing that game. Mentions that they declared because they thought that the wicket will deteriote. Goes onto say that this match was a spectacle for the fans. Adds that the pitch cracked up a bit and there was uneven bounce on it. Goes onto say that with the wind, the pitch started to aid the bowlers.

6:01 AM IST Mohammad Rizwan, the Pakistan skipper, says that they fought really hard. Adds that New Zealand did more hard work than them and they deserve this victory. Goes onto say that they wanted to take few early wickets but fielding is the most important and they need to improve on that aspect. Tells that they had planned to chase it down but they lost early wickets and then the plans changed. Adds that they came back on Day 5 and thought of chasing it down. Credits Neil Wagner for performing brilliantly despite the injury. Says that they lost this match but they are still in the series and they will need to improve in their batting. Goes onto say that he is very happy with the guys.

5:46 AM IST Kane Williamson, MAN OF THE MATCH. He says that the bowlers were outstanding in this game. Adds that it was a fantastic Test match. Credits Pakistan for fighting it out in the second innings and says that they are lucky to be on the winning side. Goes onto say that they have number of leaders out there and they try to take ideas off each other. States that it has been a long time to see a Test match go on for so long. Adds that the bowlers kept on working hard and it worked. Mentions that it is about adjusting to the surfaces as much as they can. States that Pakistan put them under pressure on the first day and it was nice to come out of that day in a respectable position. Tells that there were selfless acts throughout the game.

5:46 AM IST Stick around for the post match presentation!

5:59 AM IST You know what happened on Day 5! Character and guts and grit from Fawad and Rizwan. The never give up attitude of Wagner. The persistence from Jamieson that paid off. The masterstroke of throwing the ball to Santner by backing the instinct. The courage by Afridi to continue even after getting taking a big blow on the helmet. A lot of life lessons there! In the end, an absolute cracker of a Test match.

5:43 AM IST In the second innings, the Kiwi openers brought up their half tons and eventually declared on Day 4, giving Pakistan a target of 373. Youngster Naseem Shah picked up 3 wickets in the 2nd innings for Pakistan. Pakistan lost their openers without any run on the board. Sohail too didn't do much and perished. Azhar Ali and Fawad Alam then made sure Pakistan didn't lose another wicket on Day 4.

5:59 AM IST In response, Pakistan found themselves reeling as they lost their 6 wickets with the score not even crossing 100. Then came the rescue act led by Rizwan. He got an able partner in Faheem who played a superb knock too. Rizwan got run out on 71 while Faheem got out on 91. Pakistan eventually bundled for 239. If not for these two, Pakistan would've given away a way bigger lead than they gave. It was a collective bowling performance from the Kiwis but they would've loved to bundle the Pakistani side way early than they eventually did, especially after removing their 6 for less than 100.

5:42 AM IST Earlier in the match, Rizwan won the toss and opted to field. Shaheen Afridi struck twice early to give the Kiwis early blows but after that, it was all about Kiwi batters. It was the skipper who led the charge and scored a fine ton. Taylor, Nicholls and Watling scored half tons and took the team to 431. Afridi finished with 4 while Yasir got 3. Others too got at least a wicket but it was hard work for them.

5:57 AM IST However, the Kiwis didn't lose hope. They just kept coming, over after over. Eventually, the hard work paid off for them when Jamieson got the wicket of Rizwan. Once that happened, Fawad too followed him back to the pavilion and then it was just about how long the Kiwis will take to remove the tail. Afridi, in spite of getting a blow on his helmet, frustrated them for a little while along with Naseem Shah but it wasn't meant to be for Pakistan. Or maybe it was meant for the Kiwis. The inspired bowling change of Santner worked in the end for them as he plucked one out of thin air of his own bowling.

5:41 AM IST But before all this it was an unbelievable show of courage, character and grit from Fawad Alam and skipper Mohammad Rizwan. The duo batted and batted! They managed to see off the morning session and then the entire 2nd session. Alam raked up a Test ton nearly after 12 years after his first while Rizwan brought up his second half ton of the game. They battled for 63.2 overs together and almost managed to draw the game from the jaws of defeat.

5:58 AM IST What a spirited effort from the Kiwi bowlers to keep coming at Pakistan. The first session saw just one wicket. The second, nothing. But they just never gave up. Wagner, the man with two fractured toes, put the hard yards and just kept bowling. Credit to Kyle Jamieson too. He was the one who removed Rizwan to open the gate for the Kiwis. And in the end, Santner did the job for them.

5:41 AM IST WOW! What a game! What an unbelievable game! Heartbreak for Pakistan. Elation for the Kiwis. Naseem is on his haunches. Take a bow to both the teams. Pakistan for battling out the way they did and the Kiwis for not losing hopes. Test cricket at its absolute best.

5:37 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Santner has done it! What a catch to end it off as well. Tossed up on off, Naseem looks to push but he is early into the shot. It goes over Santner who takes it with his left hand while in the air. What scenes. The Kiwi players are absolutely ecstatic. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 101 RUNS.

5:36 AM IST NOT OUT! No bat and it is umpire's call on hitting the stumps! Santner bowls a floated ball on middle and leg, Naseem looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. It lobs towards short leg where the fielder catches it. They go up in an appeal but the umpire is unmoved. The review is taken. There is no bat while the Ball Tracker shows that it is umpire's call on hitting the stumps.

5:36 AM IST Review time! The Kiwis have taken the not out decision upstairs. Here comes the replay. Nothing on Ultra Edge. Ball Tracker shows umpire's call on hitting the wickets. Naseem survives.

5:33 AM IST Flatter ball outside outside off, Shah leaves it alone.

5:33 AM IST Forget about number of overs now. Just 30 balls left. Well, not just if you are Afridi and Naseem though. Williamson tosses the ball to his spinner now. Can Mitchell Santner weave some magic here?

5:33 AM IST Mitchell Santner is back on.

5:32 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Afridi is happy to let that go to the keeper. 5 more overs to go.

5:32 AM IST Slower ball on middle, Afridi defends it out.

5:31 AM IST Back of a length ball on off, Afridi stands tall and then defends it out.

5:30 AM IST Short ball around off, Afridi sways away from it.

5:30 AM IST LEG BYE! Good length ball on the pads, Naseem looks to flick but it brushes his pads and goes towards fine leg for a leg bye.

5:29 AM IST Fullish ball outside off, Naseem leaves it alone.

5:28 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Afridi lets it go to the keeper. 6 overs to go.

5:27 AM IST Beautifully bowled and well played as well. Full ball on middle, Naseem gets his bat on time and works it to square leg for a single.

5:27 AM IST Good length ball on middle and leg, Shah works it to mid-wicket.

5:26 AM IST Full ball outside off, Naseem leaves it alone.

5:25 AM IST Good length ball on off, Naseem defends it to the off side.

5:25 AM IST Short ball around middle, Naseem ducks under it.

5:24 AM IST Gets an inside edge! Full ball around off, Shaheen gets his bat down in time to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

5:24 AM IST Back of a length ball on off, Afridi is solid in defense.

5:23 AM IST Short ball around middle, Afridi ducks under it.

5:22 AM IST Good length ball on off, Afridi solidly blocks it to cover.

5:22 AM IST Full ball outside off, Afridi shoulders arms to this one.

5:21 AM IST BEATEN! Back of a length ball outside off, Afridi looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.

5:21 AM IST The Pakistani physio is out again! Afridi pops a pill and gulps water. He wears the helmet again. 8 overs left now.

5:20 AM IST Good length ball down the leg side, Naseem looks to flick but misses. More 8 to go.

5:19 AM IST Short ball around middle, Shah ducks under it. Well played.

5:18 AM IST Fullish ball on middle, Shah pushes it towards mid on.

5:18 AM IST EDGY! Luck for Naseem Shah! Good length ball around off, angling in. Naseem is late in his defense. It takes the bottom edge and goes to the keeper.

5:17 AM IST Short ball around middle, Naseem ducks under it.

5:17 AM IST Southee starts with a good length ball down the leg side, Naseem lets it go to the keeper.

5:16 AM IST Tim Southee will have a crack now.

5:16 AM IST That's well played by Afridi. Yorker on middle, Afridi gets his bat down in time and digs it out to short leg.

5:15 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Shaheen blocks it back to the bowler.

5:15 AM IST Length ball on middle, defended out solidly.

5:14 AM IST Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Afridi gets behind the ball and then defends it out to the off side.

5:13 AM IST Short ball around middle, Afridi does well to duck under it.

5:13 AM IST Short ball around off, Afridi looks to defend at first but then gets his bat away.

5:13 AM IST 10 overs left. A couple of more overs and the Kiwis might start feeling a bit of heat.

5:12 AM IST Tossed up on middle, Shah blocks it out to short leg.

5:11 AM IST Flatter ball outside off, Shah leaves it alone.

5:11 AM IST Was there an edge? Watling says no! Loopy ball outside off, spinning away. Shah looks to block but misses. The slip fielder is excited but Watling says no edge.

5:10 AM IST Full on middle, Shah prods forward and defends it out onto the pitch.

5:10 AM IST Flighted ball on the pads, Naseem works it towards mid on.

5:10 AM IST Tossed up on middle, Naseem plays it back to the bowler.

5:09 AM IST Full ball on middle, Afridi plays it back to the bowler.

5:08 AM IST FOUR! Nicely played from Afridi! Full ball outside off, Afridi drives it through the point region for a boundary.

5:08 AM IST Short ball on off, Afridi guides it to gully.

5:07 AM IST Full ball outside off, Afridi looks to defend but the ball whizzes past the outside edge and it goes to the keeper.

5:06 AM IST PLAY AND A MISS! Good length ball outside off, Afridi looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.

5:06 AM IST FOUR! Where did that come from? Whacked! Full ball outside off, Shaeen Afridi hammers it through mid off for a boundary.

5:06 AM IST Trent Boult is back on. Can the local boy wrap this up for the Kiwis?

5:04 AM IST Loopy ball on middle, Naseem works it to the leg side. 11 overs to go.

5:04 AM IST Tossed up outside off, Naseem leaves it alone.

5:03 AM IST Naseem Shah, the teenager, is the last man in.

5:04 AM IST OUT! LBW! Umpire's call it and Pakistan have lost their 9th wicket. This looked plumb but Abbas has to go for the review. Inspired bowling change from Williamson and Santner strikes immediately. Quicker ball on middle and off. Abbas looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. New Zealand appeal and up goes the finger. Abbas reviews. There is nothing on Ultra Edge while the Ball Tracker shows that it is umpire's call on impact. The Kiwis are one wicket away.

5:10 AM IST Abbas has been given out LBW! He looks to be plumb in front of the wickets. But he takes the review. Replays roll in. Nothing on Ultra Edge. Ball Tracker shows umpire's call on impact. Abbas has to go.

5:01 AM IST Quicker ball on middle, Abbas gets his bat down in time and defends it out.

5:00 AM IST BEATEN! Look at that go! Lovely from Santner! Floated around off, spinning away. Abbas looks to defend but gets beaten.

5:00 AM IST Tossed up on middle, Abbas defends it to short leg.

5:00 AM IST Santner starts with a flatter one on off, Abbas defends it to gully. No Ball given.

5:00 AM IST The workhorse gets some rest! Time for some spin. Here's Mitchell Santner with the ball again. 5 around the bat and one behind the sticks.

4:57 AM IST Good length ball on middle and leg, Abbas flicks it to fine leg for a single. 13 overs to go.

4:57 AM IST Full ball on off, Abbas defends it back to the bowler.

4:56 AM IST Shortish outside off, Abbas is more than happy to let that go.

4:55 AM IST Outside off, Abbas shoulders arms to it.

4:55 AM IST Short ball around off, Abbas sways away from it.

4:54 AM IST Back of a length ball on off, Abbas defends it to cover.

4:54 AM IST The Pakistani physio is out again. Shaheen is not feeling fine in the middle it seems. There is some movement in the Pakistani dressing room too. Are we in for a concussion substitute in this game? Well, looks like Afridi is continuing for now. Drama!

4:52 AM IST BEATEN! Beautiful from Wagner! Good length ball outside off, Afridi looks to defend but it beats the outside edge and it goes to the keeper.

4:51 AM IST Back of a length ball on off, Afridi blocks it to point.

4:50 AM IST Is that a catch? No, it is not! Very full on off, Afridi defends it towards gully. There is a bit of excitement for a catch but no harm done.

4:50 AM IST The Pakistani physio is out! Time for the concussion test. Afridi is looking fine. The helmet is getting checked. The physio has a word with the two umpire. Not sure what it was about. Anyway, Afridi is ready now. What will be the follow up delivery?

4:47 AM IST That's nasty from Wagner! Short ball around middle, Afridi looks to duck but gets hit on the helmet. Good sportsman spirit shown by the Kiwis as they come and enquire whether he is fine.

4:46 AM IST Full ball on middle, Afridi defends it back to the bowler.

4:46 AM IST Full ball outside off, Afridi looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and goes towards the leg side.

4:46 AM IST DRINKS! What a turnaround! Unbelievable from the Kiwis! They just struggled to get past Pakistani batters and once they got one, they are all over Pakistan. They need just 2 more and they still have a lot of overs left on the day to do so. Will the Kiwis now be able to bundle the Pakistanis and take the lead in the series or will Pakistan take this deep? 15 overs to go. Remember, these are MINIMUM of 15 overs to be bowled. Of course, if the players shake hands or pump fists, it is a different story but don't think New Zealand will do that here.

4:41 AM IST Short ball around middle, Abbas ducks under it.

4:41 AM IST Short ball around off, Abbas shoulders arms to it.

4:40 AM IST Good length ball around the pads, Abbas looks to leave it but gets hit on the thigh pad.

4:39 AM IST Back of a length ball outside off, Abbas shoulders arms to it.

4:39 AM IST Short ball down the leg side, Abbas looks to duck at first but then sees the ball down the leg side. Abbbas though adjusts and leaves it alone.

4:38 AM IST Short ball around middle, Jamieson ducks under it.

4:37 AM IST Full ball outside off, Afridi leaves it alone. 16 overs to go in the game.

4:36 AM IST Shaheen Afridi is in now.

4:36 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT! Wagner has the last laugh! Brilliant delivery from Neil Wagner! He is pumped up! New Zealand just two wickets away from a victory. What a Test match we have had. Wagner bowls a full ball outside off, Ashraf looks to defend but the ball moves away. It takes the outside edge and goes to Watling who makes no mistake. Pakistan 8 down.

4:34 AM IST FOUR! Pulled away in disdain! Wagner comes over the wicket and bowls a short one on middle, Ashraf pulls it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.

4:34 AM IST Back of a length ball on middle, Ashraf defends it off the back foot.

4:33 AM IST Bumper on middle, Ashraf pulls it to deep mid-wicket and refuses to take the single.

4:33 AM IST Short ball around middle, Faheem ducks under it.

4:31 AM IST Short ball around off, Abbas sways away from it.

4:30 AM IST Back of a length ball on middle, Abbas plays it back to the bowler.

4:30 AM IST BEATEN! My goodness, what a ball from Jamieson! Short ball around off, Abbas looks to hop and keep it out but the ball beats the outside edge and goes to the keeper. There is a staring competition going on between Jamieson and Abbas.

4:29 AM IST Good length ball on off, Abbas defends it out onto the pitch.

4:29 AM IST That's nasty from Jamieson but Abbas plays it well. Short ball around off, Abbas sways away from it.

4:28 AM IST Short ball around middle, Abbas ducks under it.

4:27 AM IST Good length ball on off, Ashraf solidly blocks it out.

4:27 AM IST Fullish ball outside off, Ashraf pushes it to cover.

4:26 AM IST Short ball down the leg side, Faheem leaves it alone.

4:25 AM IST FOUR! Falls in open spaces! Southee goes backwards but it goes over. Short ball around middle, Ashraf pulls it towards deep square leg. Southee, who was standing a little ahead of the fence, tries going back but the ball goes over for a boundary.

4:25 AM IST Bouncer around middle, Ashraf ducks under it.

4:24 AM IST Gets hit on the body! Short ball around leg, Ashraf lets it hit him on the arm.

4:23 AM IST Back of a length ball on middle, Abbas blocks it to mid on.

4:22 AM IST Shortish ball outside off, Abbas shoulders arms to it.

4:22 AM IST Full ball on off, Abbas solidly defends it towards mid off.

4:21 AM IST Mohammad Abbas is in at 9.

4:20 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT! New Zealand are on fire in the last few overs! Yasir Shah walks off in disappointment. Kyle Jamieson is elated and New Zealand are just three wickets away from a victory.  The last few overs have been good for the Kiwis. Jamieson runs in and bowls a short one around off, Yasir Shah has a poke at it. It takes the outside edge and goes towards gully where Tim Southee takes the catch. Pakistan have 19.4 overs to survive in the day.

4:19 AM IST Full ball on off, Shah defends it to mid off.

4:18 AM IST Short ball on middle, Shah ducks under it.

4:18 AM IST MISFIELD AND FOUR! Full and around off, Faheem strokes it down the ground. Boult runs to his right in anticipation to stop the ball but it lands on one of the footmarks and bounces away from his diving effort. 20 overs remaining in the day.

4:17 AM IST Good length and around off, blocked.

4:16 AM IST Down the leg side. Faheem looks to flick but misses.

4:15 AM IST Another short ball but this time Faheem opts to sit under it.

4:15 AM IST Short again and Faheem pulls again. This time he finds the fielder at square leg.

4:14 AM IST FOUR! Faheem is not going to just block. A short ball from Wagner and Faheem swivels and hammers it down to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

4:13 AM IST Full on off, Shah is solid in defense.

4:12 AM IST Full ball on middle, Yasir defends it back to the bowler.

4:12 AM IST Short ball on middle, Ashraf pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

4:11 AM IST On middle, solidly defended out.

4:11 AM IST Back of a length ball on off, Ashraf camps on his back foot and then defends it to the off side.

4:10 AM IST Short ball around middle, Ashraf ducks under it.

4:08 AM IST Yasir Shah comes out to bat.

4:08 AM IST OUT! TAKEN DOWN THE LEG SIDE! Wagner is the man who gets the big wicket. Massive, massive wicket. Wagner bangs it short again and this one is down the leg side. With all the close-in fielders in the sight, Fawad looks to slams it down the leg side. He goes for the pull but ends up gloving it behind. Watling gobbles the chance to his right. The marathon knock from Fawad is over. Can term it as a soft dismissal but you got to give it to Wagner. The Kiwi workhorse just kept banging it short. Alam resisted and resisted, almost entire Day 5. But this time around, he went for the shot, maybe to push the fielders back but he pays the price. He walks off with standing ovation from the crowd. A gritty knock comes to an end and New Zealand are in with a big chance now. 22 overs left in the day for them to remove the remaining 4.

4:07 AM IST Short ball around middle, Alam ducks under it.

4:06 AM IST Back of a length ball on middle, Alam blocks it out.

4:06 AM IST Wagner comes around the wicket and bowls a good length ball on middle, Fawad defends it back to the bowler.

4:04 AM IST Full toss on middle, Alam is shocked as he looks to defend. It hits the upper part of the bat and rolls onto the pitch.

4:04 AM IST Full ball on middle, Alam defends it back to the bowler.

4:03 AM IST Faheem is off the mark! Back of a length ball outside off, Ashraf punches it through the gully region and picks up a couple before the fielder cuts it off.

4:02 AM IST Full ball on off, Ashraf defends it out onto the pitch.

4:02 AM IST An appeal for LBW turned down! Probably going over the stumps! Short ball around middle and off, Faheem looks to pull but misses and gets hit on the pads. Jamieson appeals but nothing from the umpire. Southee from behind signals that it is high.

4:01 AM IST Short ball around middle, Ashraf sits under it.

4:00 AM IST Good length ball on off, Faheem solidly defends it to cover-point.

3:59 AM IST Fullish on middle, Ashraf pushes it down to mid on.

3:59 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Fawad is solid in defense.

3:58 AM IST Full ball on middle, Alam plays it back to the bowler.

3:57 AM IST On a length on the pads, Alam looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

3:57 AM IST On off, Alam bunts this towards cover.

3:56 AM IST Good length ball on off, Alam defends it to the off side and says no for the single.

3:56 AM IST Full ball on middle, Alam defends it out onto the pitch.

3:55 AM IST Short ball around middle, Ashraf ducks under it.

3:54 AM IST Faheem Ashraf walks in next, replacing skipper Rizwan. What an innings it was from him in the first inning. He needs to do something similar here.

3:53 AM IST OUT! LBW! All reds it is and Mohammad Rizwan has to go! End of a wonderful knock from the skipper. New Zealand desperately needed that wicket and they will feel that they have an opening in this game. Can they win this from here? Jamieson bowls a good length ball on middle, Rizwan looks to flick but misses and gets rapped on the pads. New Zealand put up a huge shout for LBW but nothing from the umpire. The Kiwis take the review. The Ultra Edge shows no bat while the Ball Tracker shows all reds. The Kiwis are ecstatic. Pakistan need 133 in 25.1 overs.

3:55 AM IST Review time! Has Jamieson got his man here? The umpire thinks otherwise but Williamson has reviewed it. Big moment in the game. Let's see what the replays have got to show. Ultra Edge first. No bat. Time for the Ball Tracker. Three Reds. Rizwan has to go. What a review from New Zealand.

3:50 AM IST Very full delivery on the pads, Alam flicks it to fine leg and picks up a single.

3:50 AM IST Short ball outside off, Alam punches it to the off side.

3:50 AM IST On middle, Alam defends it out.

3:49 AM IST Fullish ball on middle, Alam pushes it to mid on.

3:48 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Rizwan shoulders arms to it.  26 overs to go in the game. Pakistan need 134 runs.

3:47 AM IST Outside off, Rizwan leaves it alone.

3:46 AM IST Slower ball outside off, Rizwan leaves it alone.

3:46 AM IST On a length on off, Rizwan punches it to mid off.

3:45 AM IST Full ball outside off, Rizwan drives it to mid off for a dot.

3:44 AM IST EDGY! Full ball outside off, Rizwan looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

3:43 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Alam works it to mid-wicket.

3:43 AM IST Another bumper around middle, Alam ducks under it.

3:42 AM IST Short ball around middle, Alam ducks under it.

3:42 AM IST Full ball on middle and leg, Alam flicks it to mid-wicket for a dot.

3:41 AM IST On a length on off, Fawad blocks it to cover.

3:41 AM IST Full ball on off, keeping a little low. Alam does well to get his bat down in time and defend it out.

3:39 AM IST Just short! Fullish ball outside off, Rizwan drives it uppishly. Luckily for Rizwan, it lands safely in front of the cover fielder.

3:39 AM IST On middle, nudged to mid-wicket.

3:38 AM IST Good length ball on off, MR pushes it to mid off.

3:38 AM IST Back of a length ball on off, solidly defended onto the pitch.

3:37 AM IST Full ball on off, Rizwan drives it to mid off.

3:37 AM IST Fullish ball on off, Rizwan shuffles across and then defends it to point.

3:35 AM IST Back of a length ball on middle, Alam goes on his back foot and then defends it out.

3:34 AM IST Fullish ball on off, solidly defended out.

3:34 AM IST On a length on middle, Alam tucks it to mid-wicket.

3:33 AM IST Short ball around middle, Alam ducks under it.

3:33 AM IST Short ball on middle, Rizwan pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

3:32 AM IST Full ball on middle, Rizwan works it to mid-wicket.

3:32 AM IST Bowling change! Kyle Jamieson is back on. 17-9-29-0 from him so far.

3:31 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Alam lets it go to the keeper.

3:30 AM IST Good length ball on off, Alam defends it to the off side.

3:30 AM IST NO BALL! Another one! Good length ball outside off, Alam leaves it alone.

3:30 AM IST On off, defended.

3:29 AM IST Good length and around off, a solid block from him. Wagner oversteps.

3:28 AM IST Watches the next one outside off all the way to the keeper as he shoulders arms.

3:27 AM IST Good length and around off, solidly defended.

3:26 AM IST FOUR! CENTURY FOR FAWAD! What a knock! What a player. He has proven his worth here. He was ignored for a number of years, in spite of performing consistently in the domestic arena.  Made a comeback eventually against England earlier in the year but got out without scoring in the first innings upon his return. Didn't do much in the next game either but here he is. Got a chance and has bailed his team out of trouble with a superb century. His second in Tests. The first one came nearly 12 years ago, in his debut game. What a moment. Something to savor for him and every Pakistan fan. Gets to the landmark by slamming this short ball wide of the man at deep mid-wicket. The fielder there ran to his left and dived to stop but missed it. Take a bow, Fawad Alam. Looks at the heavens and celebrates. An emotional moment for him.

3:24 AM IST A solid front foot defense on the last ball of the over!

3:24 AM IST Lovely delivery from Boult but well defended too. A fuller ball around off, Rizwan pushes it to mid on.

3:23 AM IST Shortish and around off, poked towards the off side.

3:23 AM IST FOUR! Slammed! Short and wide outside off, Rizwan drags it from there and slams the pull wide of the man at deep square leg. Santner tries to get around but fails to do so.

3:22 AM IST In the channel outside off, left alone.

3:22 AM IST A single! Full and around middle, flicked to fine leg for one.

3:20 AM IST Good length ball around off, kept out.

3:20 AM IST Length ball around off, pushed towards point for nothing.

3:19 AM IST Very full and around off, Rizwan pushes it to mid off.

3:19 AM IST Banged short, Fawad pulls and takes a single to move to 96. He is a boundary away from his ton.

3:18 AM IST Good length and around middle again, Fawad defends it back to the bowler.

3:18 AM IST Good length and around middle and leg, worked to mid-wicket.

3:16 AM IST Landed around off, kept out solidly by Rizwan.

3:16 AM IST Good length and around off, pushed towards gully.

3:15 AM IST Good stop! Short and wide outside off, Rizwan punches it well but Nicholls dives to his right and makes a fine stop.

3:14 AM IST Fuller again, pushed to mid off.

3:14 AM IST Fuller and around off, a solid defense offered by Rizwan.

3:13 AM IST In the channel outside off, left alone.

3:12 AM IST Down the leg side, tucked to fine leg for one. Rizwan will keep the strike for the next over.

3:12 AM IST Too short again to trouble Rizwan as he ducks.

3:11 AM IST Good length and around off, pushed towards point.

3:11 AM IST Bouncer around off this time. Once again Rizwan ducks.

3:10 AM IST This one is banged short and on middle, Rizwan sits under it.

3:10 AM IST FOUR! Runs flowing for Pakistan in this session. Short and wide outside off, Rizwan slashes it over backward point for a boundary. The 150-run stand is up between the two.

3:09 AM IST Neil Wagner will bowl from the other end. 17-4-27-0 are his numbers so far.

3:08 AM IST Landed around off on a length, Alam defends it out.

3:08 AM IST Good length and around off, kept out.

3:07 AM IST FIFTY FOR The SKIPPER! A fuller one around middle, he flicks it to deep square leg to get to the little milestone. Rizwan will know that the job is only half done. But he has led from the front here. Did something similar in the first innings and has done the same again.

3:06 AM IST Good length and around off, Rizwan strokes it to the right of the bowler and Boult gets a hand to it.

3:06 AM IST FOUR! Runs for Rizwan too! A boundary it is and he moves to 49. Overpitched and outside off, Rizwan leans forward and creams the drive through covers. No one is stopping that.

3:05 AM IST Run straightaway! Fuller and around off, Fawad flicks it wide of the of the man at mid on for one.

3:04 AM IST We are all in readiness to begin the final session of the first Test match between New Zealand and Pakistan. The New Zealand players make their way out to the middle, followed by Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam. Trent Boult will start with the ball.

2:59 AM IST ... Day 5, Session 3 ...

2:52 AM IST Right then! Pakistan have one session to survive while the hosts need 6 wickets. Will Pakistan manage to hold onto a draw or will New Zealand be able to take the remaining 6 wickets? Join us at around 1600 local (0300 GMT) for the final session of the game to find out what happens.

2:50 AM IST New Zealand bowlers have toiled hard but have not been able to break this partnership. They have tried all their bowlers but nothing seems to be going right for them at the moment. Santner was too short while Southee and Boult bowled well with the second new ball but they have not been rewarded. They have not been helped with the injury to Wagner who seems to lacking in pace. They will hope that they can take the remaining six wickets as soon as possible.

2:51 AM IST Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam were simply superb. They have played just excellently and have hardly looked troubled at the crease. Fawad Alam has to be credited. He is just 6 short of a century and has looked assured at the crease while the skipper has also played extremely well and has hardly looked troubled at the crease.  They would look to do more of the same once the last session begins. They have a real chance of a draw and would come out hard in the last session.

2:45 AM IST A very good session for Pakistan! They have not lost a wicket in this session and Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam are doing a wonderful job for their country. They are in the middle of a wonderful partnership and the Pakistan management will be very pleased with the efforts.

2:43 AM IST Flatter and around off, tucked to mid-wicket for nothing. With that, it is TEA ON DAY 5.

2:43 AM IST Loopy around off, Rizwan comes on the front foot to block.

2:42 AM IST FOUR! Rizwan pounces on this short ball. This is on middle, he rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

2:42 AM IST Tossd up and outside off, turns away as Rizwan watches it go to the keeper.

2:41 AM IST Short and wide outside off, Rizwan goes hard to cut but mistimes it towards point.

2:41 AM IST Huge appeal but turned down. Flat and around middle and leg, Rizwan looks to defense but misses to get hit on the pad. They appeal but it is turned down. Looked to be going down leg.

2:45 AM IST Mitchell Santner to bowl the last over before Tea.

2:39 AM IST Length around off, Alam defends this towards covers.

2:38 AM IST FOUR BYES! That took off from nowhere! Watling has no chance! Short around middle, Alam looks to pull but misses. Watling, behind the stumps, jumps but fails to collect it.

2:37 AM IST Length around middle, played towards covers by Alam.

2:37 AM IST Shortish around middle, Rizwan pulls this towards deep square leg for a run.

2:36 AM IST Shortish length around off, Rizwan leaves it alone.

2:36 AM IST Short and wide, Rizwan pulls this straight to mid on.

2:35 AM IST Length around off, Alam blocks this out.

2:34 AM IST Shortish around off, tucked towards mid-wicket.

2:33 AM IST FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Super shot! A fuller ball around middle, Fawad nails the drive through mid on for a boundary. Moves to 94 now.

2:33 AM IST FOUR! Lovely! Short and wide outside off, Alam stands tall and guides this past the gully fielder for a boundary.

2:32 AM IST Fuller around middle, flicked wide of mid on for a single.

2:31 AM IST Fuller ball around off, driven back to the bowler.

2:31 AM IST Fuller and around off, a solid front foot defense.

2:30 AM IST Bandged short and on middle, Alam pulls it wide of the man at deep square leg. Jamieson there runs to his right and does really well to get down and stop the ball near the fence. They check if it is a clean stop and it is. Two taken.

2:29 AM IST Around off on a length, kept out.

2:29 AM IST WIDE! What happened there? Everybody is having a laugh out there. Southee runs and bowls a full toss way outside off, Watling collects. Wided.

2:28 AM IST Almost gone! A length ball outside off, bounces and seams away a little away from the batsman.

2:27 AM IST Shortish around off, Alam bunts this down on the off side.

2:27 AM IST Fuller angling into the pads, Rizwan flicks it wide of mid on and takes a single.

2:26 AM IST Shortish and just around off, jumps off the surface as Rizwan looks to defend. The ball hits the upper part and it goes through gully for a run.

2:26 AM IST NOT OUT! It has bounced before going to the keeper! The joy from New Zealand was short-lived. Jamieson runs in and bowls a very full ball outside off, Rizwan looks to drive but it takes the bottom edge and goes to Taylor at first slip. He takes it and New Zealand think that they they have got their man. Chris Gaffaney was going to give it out but then says wait a minute and wants to have a look upstairs. The soft signal is not out. The replays roll in and the it shows that it has bounced after hitting the bat. Not out will be signal.

2:24 AM IST Has that gone straight into the hands of the fielder or has it bounced? The soft signal is not out.  It looks close. The front foot is fine. Multiple angles roll in and it shows that it has bounced in front after hitting the bat.

2:21 AM IST There is a slight halt in play as something has gone in Rizwan's eye and the physio is coming out to have a look at him.

2:19 AM IST FOUR! Lovely drive. Simply superb! Fullish outside off, Rizwan leans into the drive and creams this one through the covers for a boundary.

2:19 AM IST Fuller this time around off, Alam leans on the drive towards mid on and they take three before the fielder returns it back. That was just a mere push but had good timing on that did Alam.

2:18 AM IST Short of a length outside off, Alam bunts this on the off side.

2:17 AM IST Length ball outside off, Alam blocks this out.

2:16 AM IST Kyle Jamieson is back on.

2:16 AM IST Length outside off, Alam guides this past gully to collect a run.

2:15 AM IST Good length outside off, Alam leaves that alone.

2:14 AM IST Fuller length outside off, Alam looks to defend but it goes off the inner half of the bat towards mid on.

2:14 AM IST Full ball outside off, Alam pushes it to cover.

2:13 AM IST Back of length ball outside off, Alam leaves it alone.

2:13 AM IST Back of a length ball on middle, Rizwan nudges it to deep square leg for a single.

2:12 AM IST Outside off, left alone.

2:11 AM IST FOUR! What a shot from Alam! Good length ball outside off, Alam stands tall and then punches it through the cover-point region for a boundary.

2:10 AM IST Fullish ball on off, Fawad pushes it to cover.

2:10 AM IST Short ball around off, Alam pulls it back towards the bowler.

2:09 AM IST Full ball outside off, Alam lets it go to the keeper.

2:08 AM IST Full ball on the pads, Alam works it to mid-wicket.

2:07 AM IST Length ball on middle, solidly defended back to the bowler.

2:07 AM IST Full ball outside off, Rizwan shoulders arms to it.

2:06 AM IST Good length ball on middle, defended out onto the pitch.

2:05 AM IST Nicely played! Good length ball on the pads, Rizwan flicks it through square leg and picks up a couple before the fielder cuts it off.

2:04 AM IST Back of a length ball on off, Rizwan blocks it to point.

2:03 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Rizwan works it to mid-wicket.

2:03 AM IST Good length ball on off, Alam taps it to point.

2:02 AM IST Length ball on middle and leg, Alam flicks it to deep square leg for a couple.

2:01 AM IST EDGY FOUR! 100-run stand comes up in a streaky manner but Pakistan won't mind. Good length ball on off, Alam looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and it goes past gully for a boundary.

2:01 AM IST Full on middle, worked to mid-wicket.

1:59 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Alam defends it towards mid on.

1:59 AM IST Good length ball on the pads, Alam looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.

1:57 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Rizwan has no problems in leaving it alone.

1:57 AM IST Fullish ball on off, Rizwan defends it to cover.

1:56 AM IST BEATEN! That stays down! Good length ball around off, keeping a little low. Rizwan looks to defend but it sneaks under his bat and goes to Watling.

1:55 AM IST Outside off, left alone by Rizwan.

1:55 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Rizwan watches it carefully and then decides to leave it alone.

1:54 AM IST Good length ball on the pads, Alam flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

1:53 AM IST Back of a length ball on off, Rizwan defends it to cover.

1:53 AM IST BEATEN! What a beauty from Boult! Just brilliant! Good length ball around off, Rizwan looks to block but beats the outside edge.

1:52 AM IST Fuller ball outside off, Rizwan leaves it alone.

1:51 AM IST Back of a length ball on off, Rizwan defends it to cover.

1:51 AM IST BEATEN! Lovely ball from Boult! Full ball outside off, moving away. Rizwan looks to defend but the ball whizzes past the outside edge and it goes to the keeper.

1:50 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Rizwan leaves it alone.

1:50 AM IST Trent Boult is into the attack. 15-4-43-2 are his numbers so far.

1:49 AM IST Full ball on off, Alam defends it to cover-point.

1:48 AM IST EDGY AGAIN! Southee bowls an in-swinger on off, Alam looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge towards gully.

1:47 AM IST EDGY! Rizwan is lucky there. Good length ball on off, Rizwan looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and it goes towards square leg for a single.

1:47 AM IST Fuller ball outside off, inviting Rizwan for the drive but Rizwan is not interested and leaves it alone.

1:46 AM IST Full ball outside off, moves away after pitching. Rizwan though shoulders arms to it.

1:46 AM IST Southee starts with a back of a length ball on middle, Rizwan defends it out onto the pitch.

1:45 AM IST The second new ball has been taken and it will be Tim Southee who will be making the first use of it. 15-7-21-2 are his figures so far.

1:43 AM IST Drinks! Pakistan are fighting and fighting hard. Both Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam have played superbly so far and they look pretty comfortable at the crease. The visitors would want to carry on and continue the good work while the Kiwis would hope that they can break this stand quickly. The second new ball is available now and the hosts should take it immediately. Let's see what pans out.

1:45 AM IST Full on middle, Alam defends it out onto the pitch.

1:42 AM IST Floated on middle, Alam defends it out.

1:42 AM IST On middle, played towards mid on for a single.

1:42 AM IST Just wide of the fielder! Loopy ball on off, Rizwan looks to drive but it goes uppishly. Luckily for Rizwan, it is wide of the fielder at short cover.

1:40 AM IST Some turn there! Flatter on off, spinning in. Rizwan looks to cut at first but then adjusts and then pushes it to cover.

1:40 AM IST Tossed up outside off, Rizwan pushes it to cover.

1:39 AM IST Neil Wagner is limping off the field.

1:41 AM IST Very full on the pads, Alam works it down to mid on.

1:38 AM IST Well played and well controlled! Short ball around off, Rizwan pulls it with control towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

1:38 AM IST Slower ball on off, Rizwan waits for it and then blocks it to cover.

1:37 AM IST Fullish ball on off, Rizwan defends it to silly mid off.

1:37 AM IST Back of a length ball on off, Rizwan goes back in his crease and defends it to the cover region.

1:37 AM IST Good length ball on off, Rizwan defends it to cover.

1:34 AM IST On middle, Alam defends it back to the bowler. A maiden over.

1:34 AM IST Floated ball on middle, Alam tucks it to mid on for nothing.

1:34 AM IST Tossed up on middle, Alam works it back to the bowler.

1:33 AM IST Shorter and outside off, Alam cuts it straight to point.

1:33 AM IST Quicker on off, pushed towards mid off.

1:33 AM IST Flatter ball outside off, Alam plays it to cover.

1:32 AM IST Ok! Here's skipper. With the second new ball 3 overs away, Kane brings himself on.

1:32 AM IST Fuller and around off and middle, driven to mid on for nothing by Rizwan.

1:31 AM IST Similar ball around off, Rizwan covers the stumps and blocks it.

1:30 AM IST Length ball around off, Rizwan defends it solidly.

1:30 AM IST Almost gets the edge! A length ball pitched around off, hits a crack and shapes away from the batsman. Rizwan goes for the drive but gets beaten comprehensively there.

1:29 AM IST Length around off, Alam hits it towards point and gets a single.

1:28 AM IST Length ball around off, defended back to the bowler.

1:27 AM IST Tossed up on middle and leg, Rizwan defends it onto the pitch.

1:27 AM IST A couple now! Santner once again bowls it short and this one is on off, Rizwan punches it through the covers for a couple.

1:26 AM IST Full on the pads, Rizwan once again plays it back to the bowler.

1:26 AM IST Drifter from Santner, Rizwan is solid in defense.

1:26 AM IST Loopy ball on middle, Rizwan prods forward and defends it back to the bowler.

1:25 AM IST Too short from Santner! He bowls it outside off, Alam goes on his back foot and then punches it to deep cover for a single.

1:24 AM IST Good length ball on off, Rizwan defends it back to the bowler.

1:23 AM IST Full ball on the pads, Alam works it to deep square leg for a single.

1:23 AM IST Short ball outside off, Fawad cuts but finds the gully fielder. Good effort from Nicholls there.

1:22 AM IST Full ball on off, Alam blocks it to the bowler.

1:22 AM IST Fullish ball on middle, Alam pushes it towards mid on.

1:21 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Alam defends it out.

1:20 AM IST Neil Wagner is into the attack.

1:20 AM IST Loopy ball outside off, Rizwan leaves it alone.

1:19 AM IST Shortish and outside off, Rizwan cuts it straight to point.

1:19 AM IST Quicker on middle, Rizwan defends it back to the bowler.

1:19 AM IST Tossed up on off, Rizwan guides it to first slip.

1:18 AM IST Outside off, left alone by Rizwan.

1:18 AM IST Flatter outside off, Alam cuts it though point for a single.

1:17 AM IST Floated on the pads, Alam plays it to short leg. Santner has overstepped. No Ball given.

1:17 AM IST Almost chops it on his stumps! Fawad is lucky here. A short ball just outside off, Fawad looks to punch but gets an inside edge. The ball goes towards leg gully. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but he misses. It was a needless throw and there is no one to back it up. They run two more.

1:15 AM IST Slightly short around off, Alam cut its straight to point.

1:15 AM IST Length around off, pushed towards cover.

1:14 AM IST Length ball on middle, Alam blocks this out.

1:14 AM IST Length ball around middle, defended solidly by Alam.

1:13 AM IST Very full on middle, Alam pokes that towards point.

1:12 AM IST Quicker ball on middle, Rizwan prods forward and defends it back to the bowler.

1:11 AM IST Flatter on the pads, Rizwan looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.

1:11 AM IST Flatter around off, played straight to covers by Rizwan.

1:11 AM IST Fuller around off, tucked towards covers.

1:10 AM IST Flatter around middle, defended solidly by Rizwan.

1:10 AM IST Flatter around off, poked towards point.

1:09 AM IST Length on off, Alam gets behind that and blocks it.

1:08 AM IST Length around off, blocked solidly by Alam.

1:08 AM IST Close! A fuller ball outside off, Fawad looks to fend but misses and the ball goes through to the keeper. An appeal is made by the keeper but nothing from the umpire.

1:07 AM IST Shortish around off, pushed in the gap at point for a brace.

1:06 AM IST Length ball on off, defended solidly.

1:06 AM IST On off, defended out.

1:05 AM IST Tossed up outside off, Rizwan pushes it to cover.

1:04 AM IST Short ball down the leg side, Rizwan looks to pull but misses. Watling whips the bails off but Rizwan was in.

1:04 AM IST Tossed up on middle, defended back to the bowler.

1:04 AM IST Flatter ball on the pads, Rizwan looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.

1:03 AM IST EDGY! Floated ball on off, Alam looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and it goes past the first slip fielder for a single.

1:03 AM IST Flatter ball outside off, Rizwan punches it to cover-point for a single.

1:01 AM IST Back of a length ball on middle, tucked to square leg.

1:01 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Fawad blocks it back to the bowler.

1:00 AM IST On middle, this is worked to square leg for a single.

12:59 AM IST An appeal for LBW turned down! Good length ball the pads, Rizwan looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. Jamieson puts up an appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Rizwan seems to have injured himself but is fine to continue.

12:59 AM IST Back of a length ball on off, Rizwan is solid in defense.

12:59 AM IST Good length ball down the leg side, Rizwan looks to flick but misses.

12:58 AM IST PLAY AND A MISS! Good length ball outside off, Rizwan looks to cut but the ball goes to the keeper. Jamieson has overstepped. No Ball signalled.

12:56 AM IST FOUR! This is poor bowling from Santner! He bowls it short again on middle, Fawad camps on his back foot and then pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary. 150 up for Pakistan.

12:55 AM IST FOUR! Nicely played! Too short from Santner! He bowls it outside off, Alam cuts it through the cover-point region for a boundary.

12:55 AM IST An appeal for LBW turned down! Tossed up around off, Alam pads it away. Santner appeals but the umpire is not interested. The Kiwi players discuss among themselves whether to take the review but decide against it.

12:54 AM IST Tossed up outside off, Rizwan lunges forward and drives it to cover for another run.

12:54 AM IST Loopy ball on the pads, Alam flicks it uppishly but wide of the fielder for a single.

12:53 AM IST Full and outside off, Rizwan drives it wide of mid off for a single.

12:52 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Fawad tucks it to mid-wicket for a dot.

12:51 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Alam leaves it alone.

12:51 AM IST Fullish ball on middle and leg, Fawad tucks it to mid-wicket.

12:50 AM IST Almost chopped on! Brilliant delivery from Jamieson! Short ball around off, Alam looks to duck at first but the ball does not rise as enough. It takes the inside edge and goes past the stumps.

12:49 AM IST Back of a length ball on off, Alam taps it to gully off the back foot.

12:49 AM IST Short ball around middle, Alam ducks under it.

12:48 AM IST Who will bowl from the other end? It is Kyle Jamieson.

12:47 AM IST FIFTY! Excellent innings so far from Fawad Alam! This is a very important innings from the left-hander. Tossed up on middle, Fawad tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

12:46 AM IST Tossed up on middle, Rizwan flicks it to square leg for a single.

12:46 AM IST Tossed up on middle, Rizwan prods forward and defends it back to the bowler.

12:46 AM IST Quicker on off, Rizwan defends it out off the back foot.

12:45 AM IST BEATEN! That's what Santner is looking for. Loopy ball outside off, spinning away. Rizwan looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.

12:45 AM IST Santner starts with a flatter ball outside off, Alam punches it to deep cover for a single.

12:43 AM IST We are all in readiness to begin the post-Lunch session! The Kiwi players make their way out to the middle and they are followed by Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam. Mitchell Santner will start with the ball.

12:39 AM IST ... Day 5, Session 2 ...

12:33 AM IST Right! An engrossing first session is done and dusted! Two more left. The game is poised nicely now! Another similar session and Pakistan will be more confident about drawing the game. The Kiwis, on the other hand, will have to break this stand quickly in the next session to have a crack at the remaining batters. Join us for the second session at around 1340 local (0040 GMT) to find out how things pan out.

12:08 AM IST It was a tough morning session for the Kiwis. Boult struck early but they had to work really hard otherwise. They didn't give away any freebies to the Pakistan batters though and made sure scoring wasn't easy. Wagner deployed the short ball tactics but it didn't work for him as he didn't get any success with it as his pace dipped a little owing to his toes injury. Santner too bowled a few tight overs too but the wickets never came.

12:05 AM IST The day started poorly for Pakistan as they lost experienced Azhar Ali in the 2nd over of the session. However, Fawad Alam was ready to play the big knock as he kept blocking everything that was thrown at him. Wagner tested him with a barrage of short balls but nothing worked. Skipper Rizwan dug in as well along with him in this session. The duo have now added 62 so far and would look to continue doing so when they return for the 2nd session.

12:04 AM IST Just one wicket lost and Pakistan will be mighty pleased with their efforts as they take the honours of winning the session. Credit to Fawad and Rizwan for fighting it out in the middle. The Kiwis will not be too disappointed as there is still plenty of overs left in the day to get the remaining 6 wickets.

12:04 AM IST Good length and around off, Rizwan defends it off the back foot. With that, it is Lunch on Day 5.

12:04 AM IST Slower fuller ball this time. Fawad works it towards mid on and gets to the other end.

12:04 AM IST Short and around off and middle, Fawad sits under it one more time.

12:02 AM IST Wagner goes full this time. Fawad keeps it out.

12:01 AM IST Short and outside off, Fawad has no business with it again.

12:01 AM IST Banged short and around off, Alam ducks under it.

12:00 AM IST We will get another over before Lunch.

12:00 AM IST On off, Rizwan keeps it out.

12:00 AM IST Tossed up and around off, a solid front foot defense from the Pakistani skipper.

12:00 AM IST Full and on middle, flicked wide of the man at mid on and they go for the single. The fielder fails to pick up the ball cleanly.

11:59 PM IST Floated outside off, Fawad comes on the front foot to block.

11:59 PM IST On off, pushed back to the bowler this time.

11:59 PM IST Full and on middle, flicked to mid-wicket for nothing.

11:58 PM IST Fuller and around off, pushed towards the cover region.

11:58 PM IST Short again and this time Fawad pulls it down to deep mid-wicket for one.

11:58 PM IST Short again. This one is around middle. Fawad ducks again.

11:57 PM IST Bumper down the leg, Alam lets it be.

11:54 PM IST FOUR! Hammered! Dismissive from Fawad. Short and just outside off, Fawad hammers the pull wide of the man at mid-wicket for a boundary.

11:54 PM IST Banged short and Rizwan pulls. It goes to deep square leg for one.

11:52 PM IST Floated on middle, worked on the leg side.

11:51 PM IST Tossed up and outside off, it is driven to the left of the cover fielder. They go for the run as Williamson throws the ball to the keeper.

11:52 PM IST Floated full and around off, pushed towards the cover region.

11:51 PM IST Flatter and around off, turned towards the leg side.

11:51 PM IST Tossed up and outside off, driven to cover-point for nothing.

11:50 PM IST Full and around off, pushed to mid off.

11:49 PM IST FOUR! TAKE THAT! Enough of blocking and ducking to these bumpers says Fawad and slams this short ball wide of the diving square leg fielder. No one is in the deep so it races down to the fence. Alam is into the 40s.

11:48 PM IST Short and wide, Fawad slams it through point. The fielder gives it a chase and gets two. Should've got three there but they just didn't go for it. The stand between the two moves to 49.

11:49 PM IST Shortish ball on the pads, Alam looks to leave but gets hit on the thigh pad.

11:47 PM IST Outside off, left alone.

11:47 PM IST A bumper! Fawad ducks under it.

11:47 PM IST Good stop by Southee. Shortish and around middle and leg, Fawad tucks it to the left of Southee at square leg. The Kiwi pacer dives and stops the ball to keep Fawad on strike.

11:46 PM IST Beauty to end the over! Tossed up and around off, Rizwan is drawn forward as he looks to defend. However, the ball spins away, past the outside edge.

11:44 PM IST On middle, pushed back to Santner.

11:44 PM IST Loops it up and bowls it wide outside off, it is stroked to mid off nicely by Rizwan.

11:44 PM IST Drags it short and it is on middle, Alam pulls it down to deep mid-wicket for one.

11:42 PM IST Loopy ball outside off, Fawad defends it off his front foot.

11:43 PM IST Tossed up around off, kept out by Alam.

11:41 PM IST Outside off, left alone.

11:41 PM IST Fuller and around off, pushed back to the bowler.

11:41 PM IST Risky run! Direct hit and it would've been close. A fuller ball around off and middle, Alam works it towards square leg and calls for a run. Rizwan responds but starts a little late. The fielder picks the ball quickly and has a shy at the striker's end but he misses as Rizwan dives to make his crease.

11:39 PM IST Length and around off, kept out.

11:38 PM IST Bouncer on middle, this time Alam ducks.

11:38 PM IST Wagner bangs it short and it is on middle and leg, Fawad this time goes for the pull. He mistimes it towards short fine leg.

11:38 PM IST Change of ends for Wagner here.

11:37 PM IST Tossed up and around off, spins away as Rizwan defends it off his back foot.

11:37 PM IST Short and wide outside off, pushed towards the man at cover.

11:36 PM IST Quicker one around middle, this time Alam tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

11:36 PM IST Flatter and on middle, worked on the leg side.

11:36 PM IST Floated on middle and leg, Rizwan looks to defend but it turns in and takes the inside edge. The ball races towards the fine leg fence but the fielder chases it down. They take three.

11:35 PM IST Darted outside off, Rizwan lets it be. Looks like it hit the flat of the pad there as the Kiwis appealed but nothing from the umpire.

11:32 PM IST Time for some spin now! Here's Mitchell Santner with the ball.

11:34 PM IST Full and around off, flicked towards mid-wicket for nothing.

11:34 PM IST Good length and around middle, worked towards the man at forward short leg.

11:33 PM IST Banged short and around off, defended by Fawad.

11:33 PM IST Good length and on middle, Rizwan works it through square leg for a run.

11:33 PM IST Another solid front foot block from Rizwan.

11:33 PM IST Fuller and around off, Rizwan strokes it towards mid off.

11:28 PM IST Good length and on the pads, Fawad takes a blow high on his pad.

11:28 PM IST He gets solid behind the line this time to defend it out. And Wagner once again oversteps.

11:27 PM IST What happened there? A length ball on the pads, Fawad looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pad. The ball goes just wide of the leg pole.

11:27 PM IST Bumper on middle, Fawad sits under it.

11:26 PM IST Down the leg side, worked towards square leg by Fawad.

11:25 PM IST Good length and around off, blocked.

11:25 PM IST Short ball around middle, Alam ducks under it.

11:24 PM IST Angled in from outside off, Rizwan shoulders arms.

11:23 PM IST Short and just outside off, Rizwan cuts it but finds gully. Very risky as it wasn't wide enough to cut.

11:23 PM IST Shortish and around off, pushed to mid on.

11:21 PM IST Fuller and around off, defended solidly.

11:22 PM IST Full and outside off, driven back to the bowler.

11:22 PM IST In the channel outside off, left alone.

11:22 PM IST This time he is right behind the line off the ball to block.

11:22 PM IST Bouncer around off, Alam sits again.

11:21 PM IST Good length and around off, pushed towards the leg side.

11:19 PM IST Length ball around off, worked on the leg side for one.

11:17 PM IST Good stop! A top shot to begin with though. Wagner bangs it short and Rizwan takes it on. Pulls it right in the gap at deep square leg and fine leg. Two fielders combine to stop the ball. A fine, controlled shot from Rizwan there.

11:17 PM IST Good bumper again. Rizwan sits under it.

11:16 PM IST Banged short and on the leg side. Rizwan sits under it. Wagner has overstepped again.

11:15 PM IST Full and on the pads, flicked down to deep square leg for a run.

11:14 PM IST Length ball around off, pushed towards point.

11:14 PM IST Fuller and around off, driven well but straight to mid on this time.

11:14 PM IST Confusion but safe! Fuller and around middle, Rizwan flicks it wide of the man at mid on. Rizwan wants a run but Fawad doesn't respond. But Rizwan comes almost halfway and returns. However, Alam for some strange reason takes off for the single. Luckily for Pakistan, it doesn't cost them anything. The single was on there though. Someone from the Kiwi camp says 'good running boys'! Interesting.

11:13 PM IST Landed around off on a length, defended solidly by the Pakistani skipper.

11:13 PM IST Good length and outside off, poked towards point.

11:13 PM IST Banged short and on middle, easily evaded by Fawad.

11:12 PM IST Length and around off, Fawad blocks it off his back foot.

11:09 PM IST Short ball outside off, Fawad has no issues letting it go to the keeper.

11:12 PM IST Fuller one around off and middle, Alam blocks it out,

11:11 PM IST Length ball down the leg side. Fawad doesn't flirt with it as he lets it go to the keeper. Wagner has overstepped. So, he needs to bowl this ball again.

11:08 PM IST Another bumper! Fawad ducks again.

11:07 PM IST Back of a length but down the leg side. Alam sits under it.

11:06 PM IST DRINKS! Battling first hour of cricket on Day 5. Azhar Ali failed to do much as he was removed by Boult but Fawad along with Rizwan have done well to dig in. They will have to continue batting the way they did. The Kiwis, on the other hand, won't be too disappointed. They just need to bowl tight lines and lengths and stay patient. Let's see how things pan out in this remaining first session.

11:02 PM IST Drinks!

11:02 PM IST Length and around off, kept out.

11:03 PM IST How did that miss the stumps? It missed it by a whisker. A shortish ball around off, Rizwan defends it off the back foot near the pitch. The ball bounces and then hits his elbow. It threatens to go at the stumps.

11:03 PM IST Lovely from Kyle. Gets it to come back in from outside off. It jags back in sharply. Rizwan looks to defend but ends up getting an inside edge on the pad.

11:02 PM IST Fuller and around off, pushed towards mid off.

11:02 PM IST Fuller and around off, driven well but straight to mid on.

11:02 PM IST A length ball around off and middle, worked towards mid-wicket.

10:58 PM IST Change from both the ends as birthday boy Kyle Jamieson to bowl now!

10:57 PM IST There's the change up! After bowling 5 short of a length balls, Wagner goes for the fuller one. Alam digs it out. A good over from Wagner.

10:57 PM IST Another bumper! Fawad sits under it.

10:56 PM IST Gets the line right for the bumper this time. It is around off, Alam ducks.

10:59 PM IST Two man in the deep for the pull. There are three fielders inside the ring on the leg side along with the forward short leg. Tells you the ploy that Wagner wants to use.

10:56 PM IST FOUR LEG BYES! Shortish and down the leg side. Alam looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit high on the pad. It goes to the right of the keeper who fails to stop in spite of the dive.

10:55 PM IST Another one! Once again Alam ducks.

10:54 PM IST And he is back to his work. He charges in and bangs it short and on middle straightaway. Alam sits under it.

10:53 PM IST Here's Neil Wagner for the first time. Had some issues with his toes the other day but he had said he will do everything his team needs. Tough, tough character.

10:53 PM IST Fuller and around off, Fawad gently pushes it wide of the man at mid off who gives it a chase. A single and Rizwan will keep the strike.

10:53 PM IST Full but down the leg side. Watling once again moves to his left and stops the ball well.

10:52 PM IST Goes for the bumper now. Alam sits under it.

10:52 PM IST Fuller and around off, kept out.

10:52 PM IST Big inward movement but this one is pitched down the leg side. Watling had to dive long way to his right to stop the ball.

10:50 PM IST Length and around middle, worked on the leg side.

10:49 PM IST FOUR BYES! Boult sprays it on the pads and Rizwan looks to help it down to the fine leg fence for a boundary but he misses. The keeper too fails to stop the ball in spite of his diving effort. 100 up for Pakistan.

10:48 PM IST In the channel outside off, Rizwan shoulders arms

10:48 PM IST Landed around off, pushed towards cover.

10:48 PM IST Full and aroudn off, Rizwan strokes it back to the bowler. Boult collects and threatens to throw it back to the stumps but doesn't do so. Rizwan was out of his crease but returned back quickly. They need 270 more to win.

10:45 PM IST Full and on the pads, flicked to fine leg for one.

10:45 PM IST Short and wide, Alam looks to punch but he hits it off the upper part of the willow.

10:43 PM IST Fuller and outisde off, Rizwan pokes it through gully and takes two.

10:43 PM IST In the channel outside off, Rizwan offers no shot.

10:41 PM IST Outside off, left alone.

10:41 PM IST Full and wide outside off, Rizwan looks to drive but gets it off the inner half of the bat.

10:41 PM IST Lovely dipping yorker on middle and leg, Alam does well to flick it down to fine leg for one.

10:40 PM IST Good length and around off, Alam pushes it towards mid on.

10:39 PM IST Neil Wagner is back on the field for the Kiwis. Southee will continue for now.

10:38 PM IST Back of a length and around off, poked towards point and a loud no for the single after that.

10:38 PM IST Fuller and around off, Rizwan defends from within the crease.

10:37 PM IST FOUR! Boult misses his line and bowls it on the pad. Rizwan manages to tickle it fine. There is no one at fine leg and it races down to the fence.

10:37 PM IST Good length and around off, poked towards point.

10:36 PM IST Full and wide outside off, Rizwan drives it wide of the cover fielder and gets a brace. Boult won't mind seeing Rizwan playing shots like these.

10:35 PM IST Length ball around off, pushed to mid on.

10:34 PM IST Full again, Alam is solid in defense again.

10:33 PM IST Fuller and around off, kept out towards mid off.

10:32 PM IST Length ball around off, Fawad stays back to defend.

10:32 PM IST Makes this one to come back in from outside off, Rizwan works it towards mid-wicket for a run.

10:32 PM IST Beaten! Rizwan is living dangerously here. This one pitches around off and then shapes away to beat the outside edge. It bounces extra a touch as well.

10:33 PM IST Just wide! Full and wide outside off, Rizwan leans and goes for the drive. It goes uppishly but wide of the fielder at cover. The fielder there dives to his right but fails to get to it.

10:29 PM IST Short and wide, this time Alam goes for the cut but doesn't connect it that well as cover-point gets around.

10:29 PM IST Outside off, Alam lets it be.

10:28 PM IST Good yorker this time. Fawad keeps it out nicely. It was a good change up from Boult but Fawad was ready for the task.

10:27 PM IST In the channel outside off, left alone.

10:26 PM IST EDGY FOUR! Fawad is lucky! Full and outside off, Alam goes for the drive but gets it off the outer half of the willow and it races away uppishly past the gully fielder for a boundary.

10:25 PM IST Shortish and just outside off, pushed towards the cover region.

10:25 PM IST Full on middle, Rizwan defends it to mid on.

10:24 PM IST Good length ball outside off, Rizwan shoulders arms to it.

10:24 PM IST Fullish ball on off, Rizwan pushes it to cover.

10:23 PM IST Good length ball on middle, Rizwan defends it back to the bowler.

10:23 PM IST A big shout for LBW turned down! Good length on off, Rizwan looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. Southee puts up a huge shout but the umpire is unmoved. Replays show that there was a big inside edge.

10:21 PM IST Fullish ball on middle, Alam tucks it to deep square leg for a single. It goes just past the short leg fielder.

10:20 PM IST Driven aerially but safe! Full ball outside off, Alam drives it uppishly but it goes past the cover fielder. Santner chases after it and slides to make a very good stop before it reaches the fence. Three taken.

10:19 PM IST Short ball on middle, Alam does well to duck under it.

10:18 PM IST Short ball around middle, Alam ducks under it.

10:18 PM IST Good length ball on off, Alam is solid in defense.

10:17 PM IST Good length ball on middle, Fawad nudges it to mid-wicket.

10:15 PM IST EDGY! Almost chopped on! Good length ball around off, Rizwan looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and it goes past the stumps towards the leg side for a single.

10:14 PM IST Full ball on middle, Alam works it to mid-wicket.

10:14 PM IST Good length ball outside off, Fawad shoulders arms to this one.

10:13 PM IST Full ball outside off, Alam watches the ball carefully and then leaves it alone.

10:12 PM IST Outside off, left alone by Fawad.

10:12 PM IST Short ball around middle, Alam ducks under it.

10:12 PM IST Good length ball outside off, Alam lets it go to the keeper.

10:10 PM IST Full ball on off, Rizwan defends it out towards cover.

10:10 PM IST FOUR BYES! That flew off the pitch alright! Short ball around middle, Rizwan lets it go to the keeper. Watling hops but it goes over him and into the fence.

10:09 PM IST Good length ball outside off, Rizwan leaves it alone.

10:08 PM IST The Pakistan skipper, Mohammad Rizwan walks in now to bat.

10:06 PM IST OUT! CAUGHT! Boult has his revenge! Brilliant start from Boult on Day 5 and the resistance from Azhar Ali ends early on a new day. Boult bowls a good length ball outside off, moving away after pitching. Azhar looks to push at it but does not move his feet at all. It takes the outside edge and it goes towards Watling who takes a simple catch. Pakistan need 298 runs.

10:06 PM IST FOUR! Azhar Ali and Pakistan are underway on Day 5! Full ball on the pads, Ali flicks it to the fine leg region for a boundary.

10:05 PM IST Good length ball on off, Ali defends it out.

10:05 PM IST Who will bowl from the other end? Trent Boult it is. His figures are 10-4-24-1 so far.

10:03 PM IST On a length outside off, Alam lets it go to the keeper. A maiden over to start from Southee.

10:02 PM IST BEATEN! Nicely bowled from Tim Southee! Good length ball outside off, Alam looks to defend but it beats the outside edge and goes to the keeper.

10:02 PM IST Back of a length ball on off, Alam blocks it out off the back foot.

10:01 PM IST Full ball on off, Alam defends it to mid off.

10:01 PM IST Good length ball on off, angling in, Alam looks to flick but it hits the gloves and then goes onto hit the thigh pad.

10:00 PM IST Southee starts with a full ball on off, Alam defends it off the front foot.

10:00 PM IST We are all set to begin the final day of this Test match. The New Zealand players are making their way out to the middle, followed by Azhar Ali and Fawad Alam. Tim Southee will start with the ball.

9:57 PM IST Azhar Ali is there for a chat. He says that 90 overs is a long time and it is not easy to bat in these conditions. Adds that they will look to play session by session. States that as an international player, he needs to put his hands up and do the job for the team. Tells that the pitch has gone a little slow and if they play themselves in, they can bat long.

9:01 PM IST Just 7 wickets needed for the Kiwis to win! They have dominated this game thus far and now they would hope that they show their best performance and get the remaining wickets quickly. Pakistan, on the other hand, would look to bat and bat and try to salvage a draw from this game. They need 302 runs more which is unlikely so a draw would be a viable option for them. Join us in a while.

8:58 PM IST ... Day 5, Session 1 ...

9:57 PM IST Right then! On Day 5, Pakistan would hope that they can bat and bat and salvage a draw from this game. It looks difficult for them but they have to believe that they can achieve that and bat hard. The hosts, on the other hand, will want to break this stand first and then look to finish things quickly on Day 5. The last day of this Test will be played on 30th December 2020 at around 1100 local (2200 GMT, the previous day). Join us for that. Until then, cheers and take care.

5:58 AM IST Tim Southee is there for a chat. He says that he was very happy but there is still plenty of work to be done on Day 5. Adds that they tried to get as much off the surface with the hard ball and it was a terrific start. Goes onto say that they need to be switched on right from the start against a quality opposition. Adds that he loves Test cricket and he wants to play for as long as he can. States the example of James Anderson who is doing a wonderful job for England. Tells that he shares some great moments with the team and was happy to see the crowd cheering. Southee says that he loved watching Glenn McGrath and he learned a lot from Chris Martin and Shane Bond and they were massive parts in the early part of his career. States that Boult has bowled exceptionally well and a big performance from him is around the corner.

5:57 AM IST The visitors did not start off well with the bat. They lost both their openers for a duck before Haris Sohail fell soon after. But Azhar Ali and Fawad Alam have done well to see the day off. They batted cautiously and defended the ball solidly and put the bad ones away. They though would know that there is still a long way to go and they cannot afford to go complacent on Day 5. A lot will depend on this partnership if they want to save this game.

5:57 AM IST Now coming onto the bowling from New Zealand, Tim Southee was superb with the ball as he was swinging the ball both ways and kept on troubling the Pakistan batters. He was rewarded with two wickets and in the meanwhile, he brought up his 300th Test wicket. Trent Boult was brilliant as well while Jamieson was economical. The only worry for them might be the injury to Neil Wagner who was clearly in discomfort with his broken toe and his involvement for Day 5 is yet to be known. All-in-all, it was a great performance from the Kiwis.

5:32 AM IST The bowling from Pakistan was not bad but then they were behind the 8-ball since the start of the third innings and were always going to play catch-up. Shaheen Afridi bowled exceedingly well at the start but was unlucky that the few edges did not go to hand. The pick of the bowlers though was Naseem Shah who bowled with pace and was rewarded with three wickets.

5:56 AM IST The day started with New Zealand starting their second innings and they did that perfectly. Tom Latham and Tom Blundell started out cautiously but once they settled in, the runs flowed from their bat and they stitched a 100-plus stand before Blundell was castled. Tom Latham and Kane Williamson added a few quick runs before the hosts lost a few quick wickets in search of runs. They eventually declared with a lead of 372.

5:56 AM IST Fawad Alam and Azhar Ali have managed to survive Day 4 but it was New Zealand's day. They have dominated this Test so far and are on the verge of taking a 1-0 lead in the 2-match Test series on Day 5. Kane Williamson will be a very happy skipper.

5:31 AM IST On off, Azhar defends it off the front foot. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 4!

5:30 AM IST Tossed up delivery outside off, Azhar shoulders arms to this one.

5:30 AM IST Outside off, Ali does not bother to play at that.

5:30 AM IST Loopy delivery on middle, Azhar blocks it off the front foot.

5:29 AM IST Flighted ball on off, Ali pushes it to mid off.

5:29 AM IST Tossed up delivery on off, Azhar defends it out.

5:28 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Alam shoulders arms to it.

5:27 AM IST Outside off, left alone.

5:27 AM IST FOUR BYES! Bouncer down the leg side, Alam ducks under it. It goes over the keeper's head towards fine leg for a boundary.

5:26 AM IST Back of a length down the leg side, Alam lets it go.

5:25 AM IST Length delivery outside off, Alam offers no shot to this one.

5:25 AM IST Bouncer on middle, Alam does well to duck under it.

5:24 AM IST On off, Alam punches it through point for a run.

5:23 AM IST Tossed up delivery on off, Alam keeps it out.

5:22 AM IST FOUR! Nicely played! Short delivery on off, Alam cuts it through point for a boundary.

5:22 AM IST Floated ball on middle, Ali flicks it through square leg for a run.

5:22 AM IST Flighted delivery on off, Azhar punches it to point.

5:21 AM IST Full on middle, Alam flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

5:20 AM IST Outside off, Ali has no problems in swaying away from that one.

5:19 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Ali solidly blocks it out.

5:19 AM IST Short ball around middle, Azhar ducks under it.

5:18 AM IST Back of a length ball outside off, Ali shoulders arms to it.

5:18 AM IST Full ball down the leg side, Ali looks to flick but misses.

5:17 AM IST Nice start from Jamieson! Beautiful delivery! Good length ball outside off, Azhar looks to flick but the ball moves away and beats the outside edge.

5:16 AM IST Kyle Jamieson is back on. 5-4-3-0 are his figures so far.

5:15 AM IST Tossed up on off, Alam looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and it goes towards the leg side.

5:15 AM IST Loopy ball on off, Fawad defends it out.

5:15 AM IST On middle, Alam lunges forward and blocks it back to the bowler.

5:14 AM IST FOUR! This is just too short from Santner! He bowls it outside off, Alam moves inside the crease and then punches it through covers for a boundary.

5:14 AM IST Tossed up on the pads, Alam defends it towards mid on.

5:13 AM IST FOUR! Poor delivery and it got what it deserved! Short ball on middle, Alam pulls it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.

5:13 AM IST Neil Wagner is off the field again. He is limping again.

5:12 AM IST Good length delivery on off, Azhar blocks it off the back foot.

5:11 AM IST Length ball outside off, Ali leaves it alone.

5:11 AM IST Full on middle, Alam flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

5:10 AM IST Back of a length on off, Alam keeps it out.

5:09 AM IST Short down the leg side, Alam lets it go.

5:09 AM IST Good length delivery on off, Alam defends it off the back foot.

5:08 AM IST On off, Ali punches it to point.

5:07 AM IST Outside off, Azhar Ali shoulders arms to this one.

5:06 AM IST Full on middle, Alam pushes it through mid on for a single.

5:06 AM IST Loopy delivery on middle, Alam flicks it towards the leg side.

5:06 AM IST Floated ball on off, Alam defends it off the front foot.

5:05 AM IST Tossed up delivery on middle, Alam defends it off the back foot.

5:03 AM IST Good length delivery on off, Azhar is solid in defense.

5:03 AM IST Bumper on middle, Ali does well to duck under it.

5:02 AM IST Back of a length on off, Azhar keeps it out.

5:02 AM IST Length delivery on off, Ali blocks it off the back foot.

5:01 AM IST Full delivery on middle, Ali pushes it uppishly towards the bowler where Wagner tries to stop it but it goes wide of him. It hits Alam on the elbow at the non-striker's end and he seems to have hurt himself.

5:00 AM IST Bouncer on middle, Azhar Ali does well to duck under it.

4:59 AM IST Tossed up delivery on off, Ali punches it towards point for a single.

4:59 AM IST On off, Ali defends it out onto the pitch.

4:58 AM IST Loopy delivery on off, Ali keeps it out.

4:58 AM IST Floated delivery on off, Azhar blocks it off the back foot.

4:57 AM IST Flighted ball on off, Ali defends it off the back foot.

4:57 AM IST Tossed up delivery on off, Azhar Ali blocks it off the front foot.

4:56 AM IST Length ball outside off, Fawad solidly blocks it back to the bowler.

4:56 AM IST Back of a length on off, Alam defends it off the front foot.

4:55 AM IST Length delivery on off, FA defends it out.

4:55 AM IST Good length ball on off, Alam defends it off the back foot.

4:54 AM IST Length delivery outside off, Alam shoulders arms to this one.

4:54 AM IST Back of a length on off, Alam defends it off the front foot.

4:53 AM IST Loopy delivery on off, Azhar pushes it to covers.

4:53 AM IST On off, Ali guides it towards third man for a couple.

4:53 AM IST Floated ball on off, Ali pushes it to covers.

4:51 AM IST Loopy delivery on off, Ali guides it to point.

4:51 AM IST Flighted ball on off, Azhar Ali defends it off the back foot.

4:50 AM IST Tossed up delivery on off, Azhar punches it to point.

4:49 AM IST Full on middle, Alam pushes it to mid on.

4:48 AM IST Short delivery on middle, Azhar Ali pulls it towards fine leg for a single.

4:47 AM IST Back of a length outside off, Azhar lets it go.

4:47 AM IST Full delivery on middle, Azhar flicks it to mid-wicket.

4:46 AM IST Length delivery outside off, Ali offers no shot to this one.

4:46 AM IST Back of a length on off, Azhar Ali defends it off the back foot.

4:44 AM IST FOUR! Lucky for Alam! Full delivery on off, Alam looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It races past gully towards third man for a boundary.

4:44 AM IST Length delivery on off, Alam defends it off the back foot.

4:43 AM IST Outside off, Alam offers no shot to this one.

4:43 AM IST Length ball on middle, Alam defends it off the back foot.

4:42 AM IST BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Alam looks to defend but misses it due to the seam movement on this one.

4:41 AM IST Back of a length down the leg side, Alam looks to flick but misses it. Watling is confident that there was an edge and appeals but Boult just turns and walks away.

4:39 AM IST Full ball on middle, Ali flicks it to mid-wicket.

4:39 AM IST That kept low! Good length ball on off which kept a little lower than expected, Ali manages to defend it out.

4:38 AM IST Length delivery on off, Azhar defends it off the back foot.

4:38 AM IST Back of a length on middle, Ali pushes it to mid on.

4:38 AM IST Full delivery on middle, Azhar Ali pushes it through mid on for a couple.

4:37 AM IST Full on middle, Azhar pushes it to mid on.

4:35 AM IST Length ball outside off, Alam does not bother to play at that.

4:35 AM IST Full delivery on middle, Azhar Ali flicks it towards fine leg for a single.

4:34 AM IST Back of a length outside off, Ali leaves it alone.

4:34 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Ali offers no shot to this one.

4:34 AM IST WIDE! Bouncer from Boult, Azhar Ali does well to duck under it.

4:32 AM IST Full delivery on off, Azhar Ali defends it off the back foot.

4:32 AM IST Length delivery outside off, Azhar Ali offers no shot to this one.

4:30 AM IST Outside off, Alam shoulders arms to this one.

4:30 AM IST Back of a length on off, Alam defends it off the back foot.

4:29 AM IST Good length delivery on off, Alam blocks it off the back foot.

4:28 AM IST Length ball on middle, Alam flicks it to square leg.

4:28 AM IST Back of a length on middle, Alam defends it out.

4:27 AM IST Length delivery on off, Alam defends it off the back foot.

4:29 AM IST Neil Wagner comes into the attack.  It was not sure whether Wagner will take the field as he was in discomfort while warming up but the news is that he got an injection on his broken toe and is now ready to go. Shows the dedication of the man.

4:26 AM IST Length delivery on middle, Azhar Ali defends it off the front foot.

4:25 AM IST Back of a length on off, Ali blocks it off the front foot.

4:25 AM IST Good length delivery on off, Ali blocks it off the back foot.

4:24 AM IST Full delivery on off, Ali defends it off the back foot.

4:24 AM IST Full and outside off, Azhar Ali offers no shot to this one.

4:23 AM IST Length delivery on off, Ali defends it off the back foot.

4:23 AM IST Drinks! It is fair to say that New Zealand are keeping on dominating the game. They have been simply superb with the ball in hand and they have not given anything away. Tim Southee has been the pick of the bowlers as he reached 300 Test wickets while Boult and Jamieson too have bowled superbly. Pakistan, on the other hand, are in dire straits at the moment. Nobody, barring Azhar Ali, has looked so settled in the crease and they need to perform out of their skins to salvage anything from this game. What will happen in the final hour of the day's play? Trent Boult is back into the attack. 7-3-18-1 are his figures so far.

4:17 AM IST Bouncer on off, Alam ducks under it.

4:17 AM IST Bouncer on middle, Alam does well to duck under it.

4:16 AM IST Good length ball on off, Alam blocks it off the back foot.

4:16 AM IST Length delivery outside off, Alam offers no shot to this one.

4:15 AM IST Length ball on off, Alam defends it off the back foot.

4:14 AM IST Yorker delivery on off, Alam digs it out back towards the bowler.

4:13 AM IST Length delivery on off, Azhar Ali blocks it off the front foot.

4:13 AM IST Good length ball on off, Azhar Ali offers a solid defense on this one.

4:12 AM IST Full delivery on middle, Alam pushes it towards mid-wicket for a single.

4:11 AM IST Back of a length outside off, Alam leaves it alone.

4:10 AM IST Good length delivery outside off, Alam offers no shot to this one.

4:10 AM IST Length ball outside off, Alam shoulders arms to this one.

4:09 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Azhar leaves it alone.

4:08 AM IST On middle, Ali works it to mid-wicket.

4:08 AM IST Just past gully! Good length ball on off, Ali looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and goes past the gully fielder. Ali wants the single but is sent back.

4:07 AM IST On a length outside off, Azhar has no problems in leaving that alone.

4:06 AM IST Short ball down the leg side, Ali lets it go to the keeper.

4:06 AM IST Good length ball on off, Ali defends it out.

4:04 AM IST Full ball on off, Alam defends it out.

4:03 AM IST Fawad Alam comes out to bat.

4:03 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT! 300 Test wickets for Southee! Brilliant from the Kiwi! He is just the third Kiwi bowler to reach the feat! Southee has just been a terrific performer with the ball and he rightly deserves this achievement. Full ball outside off, Sohail looks to drive but is early into the shot. It goes uppishly towards cover where Mitchell Santner lunges forward and takes a good catch. Pakistan need 336 more.

4:01 AM IST Short ball around off, Haris hops and looks to defend but it hits the gloves and lobs towards cover.

4:00 AM IST Full on middle, Ali works it to deep square leg for a single.

4:00 AM IST Overthrows! This is a situation which you don't see everyday! Full ball on off, Ali defends it to cover and takes off for a single. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses and the ball goes to fine leg. The batters take two more but the drama is not over. The fine leg fielder throws it to the keeper but it goes over the stumps and goes towards cover and another run results.

3:58 AM IST Full ball on off, Sohail drives it to mid off and crosses over for a single.

3:57 AM IST Full on middle and leg, Sohail looks to flick but it takes the inner half of the bat and goes to deep square leg. A single taken.

3:57 AM IST Short ball on middle, Ali works it to fine leg for a single.

3:56 AM IST Full on middle, Azhar flicks it to square leg.

3:55 AM IST Back of a length ball on middle, Sohail tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

3:54 AM IST Outside off, left alone.

3:54 AM IST Good length ball on off, Haris pushes it to mid off.

3:52 AM IST Full delivery on middle, Ali drives it back towards the bowler.

3:52 AM IST Outside off, Azhar Ali offers no shot to this one.

3:51 AM IST Good length delivery on off, Azhar Ali blocks it off the front foot.

3:51 AM IST Length ball outside off, Azhar Ali shoulders arms to this one.

3:50 AM IST Full on middle, Azhar Ali drives it back towards the bowler.

3:49 AM IST Full delivery on off, Azhar Ali drives it to mid off.

3:49 AM IST Tim Southee is back into the attack. 6-4-8-1 are his figures so far.

3:48 AM IST Back of a length on off, Sohail defends it off the back foot.

3:47 AM IST Bouncer on off, Sohail ducks under it.

3:47 AM IST Bouncer on middle, Sohail does well to duck under it.

3:46 AM IST Good length delivery on middle, Sohail defends it off the back foot.

3:45 AM IST Back of a length outside off, Sohail leaves it alone.

3:45 AM IST Good length delivery outside off, Sohail shoulders arms to this one.

3:44 AM IST Back of a length outside off, Azhar Ali offers no shot to this one.

3:43 AM IST Bouncer on middle, Azhar Ali does well to duck under it.

3:43 AM IST Full on middle, Ali flicks it towards the leg side.

3:42 AM IST Length delivery on off, Azhar Ali defends it off the back foot.

3:41 AM IST An appeal for LBW turned down! Good length ball on off, Azhar looks to push but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire.

3:41 AM IST Full delivery on middle, Ali flicks it to mid-wicket.

3:39 AM IST Length delivery outside off, Sohail offers no shot to this one.

3:39 AM IST Good length ball on off, Sohail keeps it out.

3:38 AM IST Back of a length on off, Sohail keeps it out.

3:38 AM IST Good length delivery on off, Sohail blocks it off the back foot.

3:37 AM IST Good length delivery outside off, Sohail leaves it alone.

3:37 AM IST Back of a length outside off, Haris offers no shot to this one.

3:37 AM IST Full delivery on middle, Azhar Ali flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.

3:35 AM IST FOUR! Very nicely played! Full delivery on middle, Azhar Ali flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.

3:34 AM IST Outside off, Azhar offers no shot to this one.

3:33 AM IST Good length ball on off, Ali defends it off the back foot.

3:33 AM IST Length delivery on middle, Azhar Ali pushes it to mid on.

3:32 AM IST Back of a length on middle, Ali blocks it off the front foot.

3:32 AM IST Full on middle, Haris pushes it to deep cover for a single.

3:31 AM IST Outside off, left alone.

3:30 AM IST Fullish ball outside off, Sohail drives it through the cover-point region for three.

3:29 AM IST BEATEN! Beautiful delivery! How did that miss the edge? Good length ball outside off, Sohail looks to defend but the ball whizzes past the outside edge and goes to the keeper.

3:28 AM IST Short ball around middle, Sohail ducks under it.

3:27 AM IST Full outside off, Sohail leaves it alone.

3:26 AM IST Full on off, Sohail pushes it wide of mid off for a single.

3:25 AM IST Sohail is off the mark finally! Back of a length ball outside off, Haris drives it to deep cover and picks up a couple.

3:24 AM IST Full ball on off, Sohail lunges forward and then defends it to the off side.

3:24 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Haris shoulders arms to it.

3:23 AM IST Short ball on middle, Sohail ducks under it.

3:23 AM IST Good length ball on off, Sohail defends it back to the bowler.

3:22 AM IST Full delivery outside off, Ali shoulders arms to this one.

3:21 AM IST Length delivery on middle, Ali flicks it towards fine leg for a couple

3:20 AM IST Length delivery outside off, Azhar Ali offers no shot to this one.

3:20 AM IST Full delivery on middle, Ali flicks it through square leg for a couple

3:19 AM IST Length delivery outside off, Azhar Ali offers no shot to this one.

3:19 AM IST Good length ball on off, Azhar Ali defends it back towards the bowler.

3:18 AM IST Length delivery on off, Sohail offers a solid defense on this one.

3:17 AM IST Back of a length on off, Haris blocks it off the back foot.

3:16 AM IST Length ball outside off, Sohail shoulders arms to this one.

3:16 AM IST Back of a length on off, Sohail defends it out.

3:15 AM IST Length delivery on off, Sohail defends it off the back foot.

3:15 AM IST Good length delivery on middle, Sohail keeps it out.

3:13 AM IST On middle, pushed to mid on.

3:13 AM IST NOT OUT! Missing the stumps! Close but not close enough. Outstanding bowling from Tim Southee. He is breathing fire at the moment. Good length ball outside off, angling in. Ali looks to leave it but gets rapped on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. New Zealand think for a while and then take a review. The Ball Trcker rolls in. The impact won't matter as Azhar offered no shot but it is missing the stumps. New Zealand lose one of their reviews

3:12 AM IST An appeal for LBW taken upstairs! New Zealand think that they have got their man. Azhar Ali is the man in question. The Ball Tracker shows that the wickets are missing.

3:11 AM IST Fullish ball outside off, Azhar shoulders arms to it.

3:10 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Ali pushes it to mid on.

3:10 AM IST Full ball on middle, Azhar looks to flick but it takes the leading edge and it goes to cover.

3:09 AM IST Good length ball on off, angling in. Ali defends it out onto the pitch.

3:08 AM IST Fullish ball on the pads, Haris looks to flick but it goes off his pads towards square leg. 2 leg byes taken.

3:07 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Azhar tucks it to square leg for a single.

3:07 AM IST Short ball around middle, Ali ducks under it.

3:06 AM IST FOUR! Lovely drive! Holds the pose for the cameras! Full ball on middle, Ali drives it through mid on for a boundary.

3:06 AM IST Full ball on off, Azhar pushes it to mid off.

3:05 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Azhar punches it to cover.

3:04 AM IST We are back for the final session of Day 4! The New Zealand players stride out to the middle, followed by Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail. Trent Boult will start with the ball for the final session of Day 4.

2:59 AM IST ... Day 4, Session 3 ...

2:51 AM IST Right then! New Zealand would hope that they continue to do the good work that their bowlers have done so far and try to take the remaining wickets as quickly as possible. Pakistan, on the other hand, need something special if they want to save this game. Join us at 1600 local (0300 GMT) for the final session.

2:49 AM IST Trent Boult is down for an interview. He says that he is happy with the way New Zealand is performing in this test. Adds that he is looking to keep it tight. Mentions they need 8 wickets for the victory and they will look to win it easily.

2:49 AM IST Pakistan, on the other hand, have been poor. They bowled decently but New Zealand had done their work by then. They then needed to see off the Tea session without any hiccups but they failed to do so as they lost two in no time and are in serious pressure right now. They have a long way to go and they would want their batsmen to stick it out in the middle.

2:47 AM IST New Zealand came out to bat with intent. They batted positively with Latham and Blundell playing wonderful knocks. Some contributions from the middle order helped New Zealand take a lead of 372 which looks more than enough on this wicket. If that was not enough, the Kiwi bowlers came out all guns blazing. Boult and Southee were breathing fire and plucked out two wickets with 0 runs on the board. Kane Williamson could not have asked for a better start from their bowlers. They are well on top in this game.

2:45 AM IST What a session for New Zealand! They go into the break with their heads held high. 2 wickets in five overs! Just brilliant stuff from the hosts and they are well on their way to take a 1-0 lead in the Test series. Pakistan will be very disappointed with their effort.

2:49 AM IST Good length ball on off, Sohail defends it out. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 4!

2:49 AM IST Length delivery on off, Haris keeps it out.

2:49 AM IST BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Sohail looks to defend but misses it.

2:49 AM IST Outside off, Sohail leaves it alone.

2:49 AM IST Length ball outside off, Sohail offers no shot to this one.

2:49 AM IST Back of a length outside off, Sohail shoulders arms to this one.

2:49 AM IST Good length delivery on off, Ali blocks it off the front foot.

2:49 AM IST FOUR! Nicely driven! Full ball on off, Ali drives it through mid off for a boundary.

2:49 AM IST Back of a length delivery on off, Ali blocks it off the back foot.

2:49 AM IST Good length ball on off, Azhar defends it out.

2:48 AM IST Full delivery on middle, Ali flicks it to mid-wicket.

2:48 AM IST Back of a length on off, Azhar Ali defends it off the back foot.

2:48 AM IST Fullish ball outside off, Sohail pushes it to the cover fielder.

2:48 AM IST Full ball on off, Haris lunges forward and then defends it to the cover region.

2:48 AM IST Back of a length ball outside off, Sohail shoulders arms to it.

2:48 AM IST Ohh what a ball from Southee! This is just brilliant! Good length ball outside off, angling in sharply. Sohail is brave to leave that one.

2:32 AM IST Haris Sohail is the new batsman in.

2:48 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT! Southee strikes! Pakistan in all sorts of trouble now! Brilliant stuff from New Zealand. Williamson is delighted. The Kiwi fans are delighted. Pakistan are 2-down with no runs on the board. Good length ball on off, Masood looks to defend but it takes the outside edge and it goes towards first slip where Ross Taylor takes a comfortable catch.

2:48 AM IST Good length ball outside off, Masood lets it go to the keeper.

2:48 AM IST Full ball on middle, Azhar leaves it alone.

2:48 AM IST Short ball down the leg side, Azhar leaves it alone.

2:48 AM IST Outside off, Azhar defends it out.

2:48 AM IST Full ball outside off, Azhar pushes it to cover.

2:27 AM IST Azhar Ali is the new batsman in.

2:48 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT! What a start from Boult! Just the start they needed! What a delivery from Trent Boult! Brilliant piece of bowling. Short ball around off, Abid looks to hop and defend but it takes the gloves and goes to the right of Watling. Watling dives to his right and takes a very good catch. 250 catches in Tests as well for BJ Watling.

2:48 AM IST Boult starts with a good length ball outside off, Abid shoulders arms to it.

2:24 AM IST Trent Boult to bowl from the other end.

2:47 AM IST Full ball outside off, Masood leaves it alone. Excellent start from Tim Southee.

2:47 AM IST Full on middle, Masood pushes it back to the bowler.

2:47 AM IST Full ball outside off, Masood drives it to cover.

2:47 AM IST On a length outside off, Masood leaves it alone.

2:47 AM IST Full ball on off, Masood defends it to the cover-point region.

2:20 AM IST We are all set to begin the Pakistan's innings. The Kiwi bowlers make their way out to the middle, followed by Shan Masood and Abid Ali. Tim Southee will start with the ball.

2:47 AM IST Good length ball on middle, Masood flicks it to square leg.