HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) Zimbabwe sensed the chance of a long-awaited victory over a top team as Pakistan was 158-5 at stumps on the fourth day of the second test on Friday, with the tourists needing another 106 runs to win on a finely balanced final day.
Seeking to draw the two-game series, Zimbabwe claimed two important wickets in the final session, with opener Khurram Manzoor out for 54 and the experienced Younis Khan gone for 29.
Asad Shafiq was also out before the close, but Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq was 26 not out in pursuit of 264 for victory. The skipper holds the key for Pakistan on Saturday, with wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal 17 not out alongside him.
With five middle and lower-order wickets in hand, but with the Harare Sports Club pitch showing wear and some uneven bounce, Pakistan needs a gritty final-day batting effort to claim the series.
Pakistan leads 1-0 after a 221-run win in the first match and although a draw will be enough for the Pakistanis, who have lost their last two test series, that result is unlikely.