Whatever the second test result between Pakistan and New Zealand, one fact is clear: New Zealand can claim parity with the world's third-ranked nation after their first test loss in Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan were set 261 to win in 72 overs after captain Brendon McCullum's tactical declaration at 250 fornine. With the sun setting earlier as the Arab winter nears, he needed to give his bowlers as much time as possible to attack. Being a Friday added further urgency. That is the revered day of the week in these parts, and lunch is extended an hour for prayers. With the umpires enthusiastic to get their light meters throughout the test, it meant the chances of bowling the full complement was slim.
As has happened throughout the test, momentum oscillated throughout the day. At tea the duel was fierce with Pakistan 114 for four. Fans flocked in to see the "home" side given their stiffest test this summer. The not out batsmen were Younis Khan on 30 and Asad Shafiq on 11 Trent Boult was the best of the bowlers with two for 11 from eight overs.
Ross Taylor led the way for New Zealand, emphasising his value as the country's premier test batsman with his 12th century, joining John Wright in second-place on New Zealand's all-time list. Martin Crowe has the most with 17.
Taylor ended his lull in test form by passing 50 for the first time in nine innings. He added 27 to his overnight score in a seventh wicket partnership of 60 with Mark Craig. Yasir Shah eventually had him stumped for 104.
Taylor played late and kept the shape of his batting plan by pushing into the offside and cutting behind point. It is the first time he has scored a century in the third innings of a test. Curiously his next four highest scores in the third innings (76 v Zimbabwe in Bulawayo 2011, 74 v Sri Lanka in Colombo 2012, 59 v Pakistan in Dunedin 2009 and 56 v Australia in Hobart 2011) all came in New Zealand test victories.
Craig made 34. His reliability at No 8 in the order continues to impress, as an average of 39 attests. Tim Southee added a cameo with three consecutive sixes off Zulfiqar Babar's final over on his way to 20 before McCullum's decision spared No 11 Trent Boult wasting unnecessary energy.
Shah with five for 79 from 21 overs and Babar with four for 96 from 27.5 was suitable inspiration for Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig to try to make use of the deteriorating footmarks.
Before this tour New Zealand had enjoyed two away wins against Pakistan - in 1969 and 1996 - both at Lahore.
No team in seven completed tests at the Dubai International Stadium has chased more than 137 to win in the fourth innings - Sri Lanka did it in January. The highest fourth innings total was 343 for three scored by Pakistan in November 2010.
Andrew Alderson travelled to the UAE courtesy of Emirates
