Farhat and Fawad find form but Pakistan stumble

New Zealand Invitational XI 234 and 24 for 1 trail Pakistanis 286 (Fawad 77, Farhat 52) by 28 runs
Scorecard

Pakistan's batsmen didn't have the most satisfying of warm-ups on the second day against the New Zealand Invitation XI in Queenstown, with only two scoring half-centuries, but did well enough to secure a first-innings lead of 52. Imran Farhat and Fawad Alam made good use of the opportunity but the rest were guilty of not converting their starts.

The Pakistanis began the day well when Fawad and Farhat, resuming overnight, added 97 for the second wicket. It was the day's lone half-century partnership and was broken by seamer Brent Arnel in the 34th over when he had Farhat caught by Craig Cumming for 52. Salman Butt, batting in the middle order, Mohammad Yousuf, Umar Akmal and Faisal Iqbal didn't stick around long enough to get batting practice.

Fawad, though, went on to score 77 - including ten fours - before becoming the fifth man out with the score on 190. Pakistan were in danger of being bowled out for less than New Zealand's 234, but the lower order, led by Sarfraz Ahmed, ensured a lead. The seamers - Iain O'Brien, Tim Southee and Daryl Tuffey - and legspinner Tarun Nethula all took two wickets apiece.

Abdur Rauf then struck early with the wicket of Cumming as the hosts ended at 24 for 1. If the seamers dominate again on the final day, there could be a result in this match.