The day started in a frustrating way as the Black Caps bowled to a very talented young wicket keeper/batsmen and a number 11. Ah, we've all been there, that number 11 who just hangs around and does everything to impress good vibes upon his team mates, as well as doing everything to piss your team team. Rahat Ali was that man and he helped Sarfraz Ahmed knock yet another century in his so far short test career.

It was a day of ebbs and flows as Pakistan gained momentum with that last wicket stand and then put the pressure on the Kiwis as they took wickets throughout the afternoon. Captain B-Mac looked solid at the top of the innings for his 45 before Pakistan referred an LBW shout which was preeeeeeeeeeetty plum, Kane Williamson looked good and then he served up a catch which brought Ross Taylor to the crease. He's not out on 77, which he scored swiftly of 92 balls.

Taylor's intentions became clear - he wanted to use his cut shot as a weapon, cutting anything slightly short of a length whether it was on middle stump or outside off stump. He attacked, not recklessly but he was aggressive enough that it was as though his attack was his defence.

Corey Anderson and Jimmy Neesham both fell victim to the rough perfectly placed for the spin twins of Pakistan to attack. It would definitely have sucked to be a leftie on that wicket and they were both bowled by deliveries that turned a mile from outside their off stick, one from Zulfiqar Babar, one of Yasir Shah. It was stink, but anytime you see are cricket ball spin like that, it's awesome.

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Who knows how this will pan out. If the Black Caps slip up, Pakistan could only have to chase 200ish in almost a day. That's definitely possible with their batting line up, so the Black Caps will need some more runs to ensure that Pakistan can't really win. But B-Mac plays cricket to win so expect a declaration at some stage, the tricky bit for the Black Caps is can their tail give B-Mac what he wants? Some quick runs, without being steamrolled. Hopefully they'll last long enough for Taylor to get a hundy.

Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig bowling on a turner to win a test match? Bring it on.