Pakistan's spinner Yasir Shah became the fastest bowler to take 200 Test wickets after dismissing William Somerville during the fourth day of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
Pakistan's spinner Yasir Shah became the fastest bowler to take 200 Test wickets after dismissing William Somerville during the fourth day of the ongoing third Test against New Zealand at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
The leg-spinner, who has broken Australian leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett’s 82-year-old record, achieved the feat in 33 Tests. Grimmett took his 200th wicket in his 36th Test in 1936.
Two years ago, India’s spinner Ravi Ashwin was on the brink to break this record but unfortunately, he fell short by one match.
On Day four in Abu Dhabi, Yasir has been extremely consistent with his lines, attacking the stumps in the 3rd innings. He's made the batsmen play each of this deliveries so far, with 54% of his deliveries hitting or clipping the stumps.
Yasir Shah earlier became the first bowler since Anil Kumble to pick up 10 wickets in a single day during the second Test against New Zealand in Dubai. Yasir Shah notched up figures of 8 for 41 in the first innings and 2 for 65 in the second innings (follow-on) on Day three of the second Test.
Earlier, on Day three, centuries by Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq helped Pakistan overhaul New Zealand's total of 274 but a lower-order collapse saw their lead restricted to 74.
Sarfraz Ahmed's side nevertheless regained control of the match by picking up two quick New Zealand wickets to leave them in trouble at 26-2 in 14 overs at close of play.
Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson, who scored a fighting 89 in the first innings, was batting on 14 with nightwatchman William Somerville for company on one with the visitors trailing by 48.
Pakistan, who resumed on their overnight score of 139-3, rode on Azhar's 134 and Shafiq's 104 to get into a commanding position in the series decider at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
The pair's 201-run partnership for the fourth wicket ended when Azhar became off-spinner Somerville's first test victim.
The 33-year-old batsman mistimed a sweep to offer Ajaz Patel a catch at short fine leg and leave Pakistan at 286-4.
Shafiq perished shortly afterwards after failing to read left-armer Patel's arm ball and was adjudged leg before with a review confirming the dismissal.
His wicket triggered a Pakistan collapse as they went from 304-5 to 348 all out with Somerville ripping up the tail after tea to finish with figures of 4-75.
(With agency inputs)
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