News AP News Williamson's half century carries NZ to 112-4 in 3rd test

Williamson's half century carries NZ to 112-4 in 3rd test

Kane Williamson's fighting half century led New Zealand to 112-4 in the third and final test as Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah became the quickest bowler to take 200 wickets in test cricket history on Thursday

Williamson's half century carries NZ to 112-4 in 3rd test Image Source : APWilliamson's half century carries NZ to 112-4 in 3rd test

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Kane Williamson's half century led New Zealand to 112-4 in the third and final test as Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah became the quickest bowler to take 200 wickets in test cricket history on Thursday.

Williamson was batting on a resilient 55 off 86 balls and Henry Nicholls was twice lucky to remain unbeaten on 20 off 54 deliveries at lunch on the fourth day.

New Zealand, which conceded a 74-run first-innings lead, leads Pakistan by 38 runs with six wickets in hand.

Shah (2-49) broke the 82-year-old record when he had nightwatchman Will Somerville (4) leg before wicket to achieve the feat in his 33rd test match after New Zealand resumed on 26-2.

Australian leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett held the previous record when he got his 200th wicket in his 36th test match while playing against South Africa at Johannesburg in 1936.

Ross Taylor's (22 off 14 balls) over aggressive approach ultimately led to his downfall when he was caught in the deep as New Zealand slumped to 60-4.

Taylor smashed three boundaries in left-arm Shaheen Afridi's (2-35) one over but was undone by Afridi's pace in the next over and holed out at deep mid-wicket.

Nicholls could have been out lbw on 3 but Pakistan didn't go for the television review off Shah's delivery with New Zealand still needing one run to wipe out the first innings deficit.

The left-handed Nicholls survived another chance on 9 when he successfully overturned leg before decision against him off Shah's sharp turning delivery.

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