Pakistan openers lead fightback

Half-centuries from openers Imran Farhat and Salman Butt saw Pakistan make a strong reply after conceding a huge first innings lead against New Zealand on day three of the third Test, in Napier, on Sunday.

Farhat, who made 117 not out in the first-innings, was 55 not out at the close with Butt unbeaten on 66 as the tourists reached 128 without loss in 56 overs to reduce the deficit to 120 runs.

Earlier, New Zealand made a huge 471 in their first innings courtesy of captain Daniel Vettori's sparkling innings of 134 in 186 deliveries, inclusive of 12 boundaries and a six.

Tuffey made a career-best 80 not out added 87 runs for the seventh wicket with Vettori to help New Zealand take a healthy first-innings lead of 248 runs.

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria was the standout performer for Pakistan with the ball as he claimed seven for 168 in 53 overs, while Mohammad Asif took two for 103 in 31 overs.

Brief scorecard:

Pakistan: 223 all out and 128-0 in 56 overs (S Butt 66*, I Farhat 55*) vs New Zealand: 471 all out (D Vettori 134, B McCullum 89, D Tuffey 80*, T McIntosh 74, D Kaneria 7-168)