Vettori's ton puts New Zealand in command

Skipper Daniel Vettori and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum rescued New Zealand with a blazing 176-run partnership on the second day of the third Test against Pakistan.

McCullum and Vettori's 100-run partnership took just 119 balls and ended just before stumps, when McCullum was sent back to the pavilion by Umar Gul after a well-made 89. Television replays, later on, suggested that Gul may have bowled a no-ball.

New Zealand finished the day on 346 for six, a lead of 123 over Pakistan, with Vettori unbeaten on a magnificent 100 off just 127 balls.

Prior to the Vettori-McCullm partnership, the hosts struggled to cope with the good bowling of the Pakistanis. There were some anxious moments for Pakistan as leg-spinner Danish Kaneria overcame a minor health scare.

Kaneria had clutched his chest after completing the second over after lunch and needed to lie down briefly before recovering to continue following a medical check-up.

Earlier, opener Tim McIntosh completed his second Test half-century from 147 balls with a rare show of aggression when he unleashed a straight drive to the fence.

The cautious left-hander, who had scored just 37 runs in the first two Tests, made the most of his reprieve on Friday on nought when his leg before wicket dismissal was overruled by the umpire decision review system.

He threatened to add another century to his maiden Test century against the West Indies, a year ago, before Kaneria deceived him on 74.

Two balls after attempting a sweep against Kaneria, McIntosh repeated the shot but top-edged gently to wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal to end a 187-ball

Ross Taylor was Kaneria's first victim after lunch for 21 when a trademark slog sweep skied to Mohammad Yousuf on the move at backward square leg.

Daniel Flynn, Martin Guptil, Walting all got starts but failed to convert them into big scores.

For Pakistan, Kaneria was the most successful bowler, finishing with 4 for 119.

Scorecard

Pakistan (1st innings): 223
New Zealand (1st innings): (overnight 47 for no loss)
T McIntosh c K Akmal b D Kaneria 74
B Watling c U Akmal b M Asif 18
M Guptill lbw b D Kaneria 13
R Taylor c M Yousuf b D Kaneria 21
D Flynn c K Akmal b D Kaneria 5
D Vettori not out 100
B McCullum c F Iqbal b U Gul 89
D Tuffey not out 13
Extras: (b-4, lb-4, w-1, nb-4) 13
Total: (6 wickets; 106 overs) 346

Fall of wickets: 1-60, 2-82, 3-118, 4-136, 5-145, 6-321.

Bowling: Mohammad Aamer 17-6-55-0, Mohammad Asif 24-8-69-1, Umar Gul 28-5-95-1, Danish Kaneria 37-9-119-4.