Ton-up Williamson foils Pakistan after Yasir makes records tumble

Abu Dhabi: Leg-spinner Yasir Shah became the fastest cricketer to take 200 Test wickets, breaking an 82-year-old record as Pakistan sought to clinch a series win in the third and final Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Yasir trapped nightwatchman Will Somerville leg before for four to reach the milestone in his 33rd Test, beating Australian leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett's record of 36 Tests set against South Africa in Johannesburg in 1936.

But that was the only highlight for Pakistan as Kane Williamson (105 not out) aided by Henry Nicholls, unbeaten on 54, took New Zealand to 199-4 at tea on the fourth day.

That gave New Zealand a lead of 125 with six wickets intact and an outside chance of forcing a win in the series currently tied at 1-1.

Pakistan had hopes of an emphatic win once Shaheen Shah Afridi had Ross Taylor caught hooking for 22 with the total at 60-4. But Williamson and Nicholls defied the bowling during their unbroken 139-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Williamson, who scored 89 in the first innings, drove medium pacer Hasan Ali to cover boundary for his 12th four to complete a well deserved 12th Test century.