Pakistan surge back against Kiwis

New Zealand pace bowler Tim Southee is remaining optimistic heading into the final day of the second Test against Pakistan, with the tourists ahead by 177 with four wickets in hand. 

The Kiwis struck early on day four in Dubai with three quick wickets after Pakistan resumed at 6-281 in reply to New Zealand's 403.

But Sarfraz Ahmed's rearguard 112 pushed the Pakistani total out to 393, then spinners Zulfiqar Babar (3-60) and Yasir Shah (3-65) kept the pressure on the Black Caps in their second innings.

However, Ross Taylor found form at the right time, hitting an unbeaten 77 as the Black Caps battled to 6-167 at stumps.

Southee, who picked up 3-57 off 30 overs, says there's still enough unpredictability in the Dubai International Cricket Stadium wicket to offer encouragement.

"Watching the spinners, there's plenty out there and it's starting to rough up in the foot marks.

"I don't think it'll be unplayable, but I think it will continue to deteriorate," Southee said.

"I think we're in for an exciting last day of the Test match."

There is still some bounce left in the pitch, as BJ Watling found when three balls from the close a delivery from Yasir kicked up, caught his glove and was taken at second slip by sub fielder Haris Sohail.

"Although that was disappointing for us, it's also an encouraging sign going forward to tomorrow," Southee said.

Taylor's 77, coming off 93 balls and including 10 fours, provided a solid backbone for the New Zealand innings after first innings centurion Tom Latham went cheaply.

Kane Williamson went for 11, but captain Brendon McCullum provided some stability as he compiled 45 off 62 balls, becoming New Zealand's second-highest Test run-scorer in the process.

The skipper now has 5451 runs from his 89 Tests, trailing only Stephen Fleming's 7172 from 111.

McCullum was trapped in front by Zulfiqar midway through the 22nd over, and Corey Anderson was dismissed without scoring seven balls later to leave the Black Caps struggling at 4-79.

Mark Craig, who has yet to score, was at the wicket with Taylor when bad light stopped play.

Pakistan won the first Test by 248 runs in Abu Dhabi last week. The third and final Test begins in Sharjah on November 26.