Martin double fires New Zealand against Pakistan

Chris Martin struck twice as New Zealand claimed three early wickets in their bid for a series-levelling win against Pakistan on the fifth day of the second Test at the Basin Reserve.

With Pakistan needing 274 to equal the second highest fourth innings target achieved at the Basin Reserve, the tourists went into the break at 81 for three on a pitch still offering plenty of bounce and movement for the bowlers.

New Zealand made an ideal start when Tim Southee trapped Taufeeq Umar lbw for a first ball duck in the second over.

The Blacks Caps felt they should have had another in the next over, vigorously appealing when Mohammad Hafeez appeared to edge a Martin delivery to the keeper but drawing a shake of the head from umpire Rod Tucker.

Martin had his reward when he trapped Azhar Ali (10) lbw in the 11th over and induced a thick edge to the slips from Mohammad Hafeez (32), who had looked threatening with five boundaries, in his next over, to leave Pakistan struggling at 42-3.

The wickets brought Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq to the crease, a pair whose 142-run partnership was the backbone of Pakistan's first innings and who are likely to prove crucial to the tourists' chances.

The pair made cautious progress to lunch, hitting only one boundary apiece in an unbeaten partnership of 39, with Younis on 24 and Misbah 15.