Younis' fifty drives Pakistan

Dubai - In-form batsman Younis Khan hit a solid half-century to help Pakistan reach 118-2 at lunch on the third day of the second Test in Dubai on Wednesday.

Younis hit New Zealand off-spinner Mark Craig for his fifth boundary to complete his 29th Test half-century to once again anchor Pakistan's batting after they resumed the day at 34-2.

Pakistan are chasing New Zealand's first innings total of 403.

At the interval Azhar Ali was 35 not out and Younis on 53 as the pair continued to repair the innings during their third wicket stand of 86 after Pakistan lost both the openers for just 32 runs.

Younis hit five boundaries and two big sixes, both off Craig, to continue his good form, which saw him hit a hundred in the first Test in Abu Dhabi.

He also amassed 468 runs in the 2-0 white-wash of Australia in the preceding series, also played in United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 248 runs.

Ali had hit four boundaries during his 105-ball knock.

New Zealand spinners Ish Sodhi and Craig took a wicket apiece.