- Spin king urges teammates to ensure victory over the Black Caps.
- Williamson masterclass puts Kiwis in strong position heading into last day.
LONDON: Yasir Shah has urged his Pakistan teammates not to let their chance of a series win over New Zealand slip after he entered the record books as the fastest man to take 200 Test wickets.
The spin king needed just one wicket to break the record set 82 years ago by the great Australian leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett who had needed 36 Tests to reach the milestone.
When Yasir trapped nightwatchman Will Somerville LBW for four with his 13th delivery of the day, he reached the 200-wicket mark in just his 33rd Test.
“Ever since I knew this record it became my dream be the fastest to 200 wickets and it came true today,” said Yasir.
It is a remarkable record and says everything about the bowler who in just four years has become the most prolific and feared spinner in the world. But it also says a lot about the state of this third and final Test between the hosts and the Black Caps that the day did not totally belong to the history maker.
Yasir was forced to share the spoils with the Kiwi captain Kane Williamson whose 139 not out put the tourists in a good position heading into the final day in Abu Dhabi.
The Kiwis reached 272 for four by the close to give them a lead of 198. And having failed to chase 176 in the first Test Yasir is only too aware that a good start is vital today to give Pakistan the best shot at winning the three-match series 2-1.
“The wicket is slow but it is turning from the patches. We want to bowl them and try to go for the chase,” the 32-year-old said. “That is what we are going to try as there is still one full day left in the match.”
Having seen Yasir take the early wicket of Somerville Pakistan sensed the chance of an emphatic win when Shaheen Shah Afridi had Ross Taylor caught hooking for 22 with the total at 60 for four, the Kiwis still 14 behind the hosts first-innings total.
But another Williamson masterclass — his 19th Test ton — put paid to any ideas of an easy win as he and Henry Nicholls (90 not out) gave the Kiwis the edge.