Pakistan imposing lead continues in 2nd Test

Updated at: 0804 PST, Saturday, December 05, 2009

WELLINGTON: Pakistan proved crease occupation was possible on the Basin Reserve today as captain Mohammad Yousuf and Umar Akmal adopted contrasting approaches to build an imposing lead on day three of the second cricket test against New Zealand in Wellington. At lunch Pakistan were 180 for three, an overall lead of 345. Yousuf, the steadying influence was not out 50 from 130 balls. Umar, who arrived with only 30 minutes left in the session, was more adventurous slamming 39 from 21 -- a previously economical Daniel Vettori was the 19-year-old's prime target. Vettori's last three overs leaked 29 as Umar smoked two sixes and a quartet of fours to liven up an otherwise painstaking session. Sixteen wickets tumbled yesterday -- including New Zealand's full complement for 99. Pakistan were in no danger of emulating that collapse as Yousuf and Misbah patiently carried the score from 64 for two and the lead from 229. With plenty of runs, wickets and time at their disposal Pakistan never had to push the boundaries today -- until Umar took guard. Indeed only five were recorded during the 31 overs before Umar set about mangling Vettori's figures. He had a miserly analysis of 18 overs for 23 including 10 maidens -- then Umar showed scant respect for the world's leading left arm spinner and went on the attack from the outset. Umar gave a half chance when a a slug down the ground just evaded Vettori's clutches, his timing was sweeter two balls later when he hoisted the captain over the fence at long off. Yousuf rarely opened his shoulders in partnership with Misbah or Umar, adding just three boundaries today as we advanced from 10. He gave Daryl Tuffey a glimmer of hope when he hooked to fine leg on 15, but the ball escaped Iain O'Brien and crossed the rope. Soon after Yousuf absorbed a glancing blow on the chest when attempting to sway outside the line of a Tuffey bouncer but otherwise Pakistan's most experienced batsman looked at ease. O'Brien finally broke a stubborn 77-run stand between Yousuf and Misbah when the latter's thick edge was easily caught by Brendon McCullum. He made 33 from 110 balls. The pick of New Zealand's pace attack, O'Brien had three for 57 from 18 overs.