CHMSTCHURC H. New Zealand. Dec 1 1: Only rain on the fifth day seems likely to save New

Zealand from defeat against Pakistan at Christchurch after leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed reduced the host side's second innings to debris on Monday, report agencies.

Mushtaq took 5-43. the third time he has taken five or more wickets in a Test innings. to leave New Zealand at 158 for seven at the close oh the fourth day, needing a further 199 to win.

Mushtaq's mystique spell brought Pakistan into the driving seat. He picked up four wickets for 14 runs in the second session and added one more before stumps as he bowled unchanged from the 13th over of the day.

Unfortunately for the home side, the weather forecast for the last day is clear, meaning only a brilliant rearguard action can save New Zealand's blushes.

Needing 357 to win the match. Craig Spearman and Bryan Young put on 50 runs in a positive start before Young was caught at the wicket off Mushtaq for 18.

The in-form leg-spinner then removed Adam Parore, whb was Judged lbw after mistiming a sweep and being struck on the front pad.

Debutant Spearman was on 33 when he tried to drive a leg-break, failed to get to the pitch of the ball, and edged it to Aamir Sohail at slip.

Fifteen minutes before the tea-break. Chris Cairns charged down the, wicket to Mushtaq, but his attempted straight drive sailed straight to Salim Malik at mid-on for any easy catch.

Ataur Rehman trapped Stephen Fleming lbw for a duck when he swung across the line and missed a straight ball.

After the fifth wicket fell at 75. Roger Twose and captain Lee Germon consolidated slightly before Germon was out with the score on 101.

Attempting a sharp single, he could not beat the throw to the wicketkeeper from Ijaz Ahmed and was given out by the third umpire for 12. „ Mushtaq's fifth dismissal

Aunnirtg’ Dipak Patel failed to make contact with a sweep shot from well outside the leg-stump and the ball

turned sharply to bowl him for 15.

Earlier in the day. fast bowler Waqar Younis hit his highest Test score as the Pakistan tall frustrated New Zealand's attempts to wrap up the tourists' second winnings

The day began well for the Kiwis when Pakistan captain Wasim Akram was caught at first slip for 19 tn the fourth over of the day

Mushtaq and Waqar then both showed a keen eye for the scoring opportunity and

Gavin Larsen the ball lobbing gently In the air for wicketkeeper Lee Garmon to take the catch.

Then Waqar went leg before wicket, giving Larsen two for 58 from 29 overs

The most successful New Zealand bowler was Chris Cairns with three for 114. while Danny Morrison and Dion Nash took two wickets apiece and off-spinner Dipak Patel one.

neither gave a chance.

Pakistan were dismissed for 434 in their second innings 20 minutes before lunch, after resuming on 369 for seven.

Waqar hit 34. of which 28 runs came in boundaries.

Both batsmen took the attack to the bowlers despite being struck crippling blows. Cairns hit Waqar in the groin and play was held up for several minutes as Waqar regained his composure.

Mushtaq suffered some discomfort after Morrison hit him on the left knee. The appeal for lbw was declined, but Mushtaq collapsed on the pitch In pain and hobbled around for some time afterwards. v

Mushtaq added

41 valuable runs for the ninth wicket before Mushtaq.gpt a leading edge to slow-medium Gavin Larsen the ball lobbing gently In the air for wicketkeeper Lee Garmon to take the catch.

Then Waqar went leg before wicket, giving Larsen two for 58 from 29 overs

The most successful New Zealand bowler was Chris Cairns with three for 114. while Danny Morrison and Dion Nash took two wickets apiece and off-spinner Dipak Patel one.