Cricket: Blackcaps close in on a series win over Pakistan

The Blackcaps are in control heading into lunch on day five of their third and deciding test match against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

The visitors started the day 272/4 after a remarkable fifth-wicket partnership from Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls kept them in the match.

Williamson was given out LBW off the first ball of the day to fall on 139 and end a great captain's knock.

Nicholls continued from the previous day as he bought up his first overseas tonne early in the day, from there it was Nicholls (126NO) and Colin de Grandhomme (26) who added more quick runs before captain Kane Williamson called them in to declare on 357/7 setting the hosts 280 to win.

Tim Southee made the breakthrough in the sixth over, bowling opener Mohammad Hafeez with a peach of a delivery.

Azhar Ali was the next to go as all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme picked up his first.

Debutant Will Somerville took two-wickets in two balls to put Pakistan under real pressure.

Ajaz Patel got in the action on the last ball before lunch claiming the wicket of opener Imam-ul-Haq to leave Pakistan well and truly on the back foot as they go to lunch 55/5 and looking in real danger of losing.

Pakistan require a further 225 runs to win, the Blackcaps need just five wickets to claim a famous series victory.

Newshub.