NZ-Pakistan 2nd test drawn; Pakistan series win

Wellington, Jan 19 (AP) Pakistan clinched a 1-0 serieswin and its first test series victory for five years bysecuring a draw against New Zealand in the second test whichended today.

Chasing 274 for victory on the final day, Pakistan lookedwell placed to push for a 2-0 series clean sweep when it movedto 160-4 at tea.

However Pakistan was unwilling to risk a rare seriesvictory and took a no-risk approach in the final session toensure a draw.

New Zealand took three wickets in the opening session toboost chances of a rare win of its own, but Younis Khan (81)and captain Misbah-ul-Haq (70 not out) ground out patientinnings to deny the home team.

"We saw the series as more important than this test,"Misbah said at the postgame presentation.

"Younis Khan batted well in both innings and Umar Gul didwell in the last test, but everybody is contributing andthat''s really good to see."

The series win provided an overdue return of pride toPakistan cricket, which had seen its international reputationfurther tarnished since its previous series victory againstthe West Indies in 2006.

It had been immersed in yet another corruption scandalarising from its tour of England last year, which deprived theteam of key players for this series, while also being strippedof its co-hosting role in next month''s World Cup due tosecurity failures.

New Zealand remains stuck in a rut of poor performancesand will be hoping for a form turnaround in the upcomingone-day games to deliver some confidence and optimism ahead ofthe World Cup.

"We couldn''t quite play catch-up in this test and that isbecause Pakistan were on top after Hamilton," said captainDaniel Vettori, who was able to take only one wicket in 34overs on the final day when much of his team''s hopes rested onhis arm.

"We now focus on getting our combinations right for theone-dayers and the World Cup." (AP)