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

Pakistan started off well today and kept the pressure right on the Kiwis taking five wickets till Tea. But then, Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum added 176 runs for the sixth wicket and turned the day and game around. McCullum made an excellent 89 while skipper Daniel Vettori is unbeaten on 100, getting his fifth Test century and his second against Pakistan.

Earlier, Tim McIntosh played well for his 74. New Zealand now lead by 123 runs. Danish Kaneria (4-119) was the star for Pakistan, picking up 4 wickets today. The Kiwis are now firmly in front with 4 wickets left in the bank. New Zealand would be looking to extend the lead to as many as possible while Pakistan would be hoping to finish the tail off as early as possible.

Pakistan leg spinner Danish Kaneria struck vital blows to reduce New Zealand to 166 for five off 71 overs in their first innings at tea on the second day of the third and final Test match at McLean Park here on Saturday.

New Zealand resuming at their overnight score of 47 for loss found the going tough despite a fighting knock of 74 off 187 balls by opener T G McIntosh, who became Kaneria's third victim.

Kaneria, who has figures of four for 55 so far, also accounted for martin Guptill (13), Ross Taylor (21), and Daniel Flynn (5) while seamer Mohammad Asif sent back the other opener BJ Watling (18).

Brief scores
Pakistan: 223
New Zealand: 346 for 6 (Vettori 100*, McCullum 89, McIntosh 74, Kaneria 4-119)
Status: New Zealand lead by 123 runs