Wellington: Pakistan have secured a draw in the second test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve ending the day at 226/5 to win their first test series in five years.
The Black Caps went into the final day promising a desperate performance in the field, but any hopes of levelling the series turned to disappointment in the final session.
With victory in sight for both teams on the fifth day, Pakistan’s opening batsmen made their intentions clear but they were on the back foot with Tim Southee’s first ball of the day.
Chris Martin got rid of Azhar Ali and Mohammed Hafeez in quick succession.
The Black Caps were on top but still one key wicket away from getting into the Pakistan tail.
Just like the first innings, the experienced heads of Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq dug in to frustrate the home side; Younis scoring a dominant 50.
The pair put on 100 for the fourth wicket; the match swinging heavily in favour of the tourists.
But just as hopes of levelling the series seemed to slip away, there was a glimmer of hope before tea.
But with the help of Asad Shafiq, Misbah ul Haq snuffed out any chance of a New Zealand victory; grinding out his sixth consecutive test 50 from 171 balls.
Vettori finally had some joy with the new ball but the reaction from the skipper confirmed this was an opportunity lost.
It was fitting Misbah saw off the final ball of the day to secure the country’s first test series win since 2006.
Captain Misbah was declared Man of the Match.
The teams now head into one day mode; the first game in a six match series begins in Wellington on Saturday.
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