No Option but to Attack

Day 4 at Wellington

Fantastic day's play today. Pakistan kept hitting back with wickets at crucial times and pulled off thair containment plans very well (albeit with an appalling over-rate). Frankly, the final score of 293 was a let-down after a rare century opening stand, but it is the sort of total NZ would have taken at the end of the day. Being bowled out saves us the headache of having to decide when to declare. If the weather stays good, there will be a result tomorrow. No choice but to set attacking fields, then.

Overall, the mistakes of Hamilton were not repeated here which is a plus. McCullum is certainly fitting into his new role as opener well, while Guptill finally had a substantial score to show for his efforts at curbing his natural game; Wright may make a solid test opener of him yet. Thumbs up too to Taylor and Young who prevented an implosion and extended the lead. It's all down to the bowlers now.

Vettori gets another chance to bowl his side to fifth-day victory, something that he's been conspicuously unable to do throught his career. The pitch seems like it'll help, and if NZ are to win he and Martin will almost certainly have to do most of the striking. The real key will be the performance of Arnel and Southee tomorrow; if they can hold up one end, they give the two main bowlers a license to attack.

For me, it's advantage Pakistan by a whisker. But 274 is a tricky target, just enough of a carrot to ensure they won't play for the draw tomorrow, and therefore our best chance of a win.