Napier: Captain Mohammad Yousuf fell short of his 25th century but not before guiding Pakistan to a position of comfort on the fourth day of the third and final Test at McLean Park on Monday.

Yousuf fell after compiling a patient 89 with seven overs left for the day after a rain interruption. Pakistan finished the day on 347-4, with Misbah-ul-Haq (4 not out) giving Umar Akmal (48) company.

Pakistan, helped by half-centuries from the top four, had surged to a lead of 99 runs after erasing a huge 248-run deficit.

The visitors had added just one run to their overnight tally of 128 without loss when Salman Butt was sent back by Martin Guptill for 66. Fellow opener Imran Farhat too perished in the same fashion to the same bowler for 61.

Faisal Iqbal, who was sent in at No. 3, batted with caution and built a steady partnership with captain Yousuf to guide Pakistan to 192-2 at lunch.

Rains had once earlier interrupted play in the post-lunch session before the duo raised their 100-run stand but Pakistan's efforts to see off the session wicketless went in vain with Iqbal falling minutes before tea for 67.

Yousuf, however, continued unperturbed as Pakistan stepped up their scoring with the help of Umar Akmal, before the batsman settled in as rain stopped play with 12 overs remaining.

Yousuf, who returned to Test cricket earlier this year after quitting the rebel Indian Cricket League and elevated to captain in the absence of Younis Khan, was rock solid at the crease before Iain O'Brien, playing his final Test for New Zealand, had him caught behind.

Brief scores
Pakistan: 223 and 347 for 4 (Yousuf 89, Faisal 67, Butt 66, Farhat 61)
New Zealand: 471 by 99 runs
Status: Pakistan lead by 99-runs