Yasir Shah spins Pakistan level against New Zealand

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A sensational 14-wicket haul from Yasir Shah helped Pakistan level the Test cricket series against New Zealand in Dubai on Tuesday. Thanks to the prolific leg-spinner's record-equaling return, Mickey Arthur's side won the second Test by an innings and 16 runs to level their three-match series.

Shah picked up six wickets in the second innings to finish the match with a career-best 14 for 184 – the most in a Test by a Pakistani bowler – as New Zealand were bundled out for 312 after being forced to follow on Monday.

Shah, 32, who took eight wickets for 41 runs in the first innings, emulated Imran Khan's feat against Sri Lanka in Lahore in 1982.

While accepting the player-of-the-match award, Shah said, “I came to know yesterday (about Khan's record). The attempt was to put the disappointment of (losing) the first test behind and compete better.”

Pakistani captain Sarfraz Ahmed (L) gestures to teammate Yasir Shah as he holds the Man of the Match award after beating New Zealand in the second Test at the Dubai International Stadium, November 27, 2018. /VCG Photo

Earlier on Day 2, Pakistan were in a commanding position as Haris Sohail and Babar Azam hit centuries to power their first innings total to 418-5 before the declaration came.

The Kiwis were bowled out for only 90 runs in their first innings and despite putting up a gritty show, the visitors crumbled under pressure, losing wickets at key moments.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said after the match, “We batted better in the second innings, but that session yesterday when Yasir put us under tremendous pressure and put the ball in the right areas (defeated us).”

New Zealand had won the opening test in Abu Dhabi by four runs and the series-deciding third and the final Test of series will be played at the same venue December 3-7.