Disaster as Pakistan lose two wickets for none chasing New Zealand's 319-run target

Pakistan started disastrously by losing two wickets without scoring Thursday after New Zealand set them a bold target of 319 to win the second Test in Karachi.

Skipper Tim Southee dismissed opener Abdullah Shafique with the second ball of Pakistan's second innings before Ish Sodhi bowled nightwatchman Mir Hamza in the last over of the fourth day.

At the close, a shocked Imam-ul-Haq was at the crease without scoring and the home team needing 319 runs for victory, or eight wickets in hand to hold out for a draw.

SCOREBOARD | Pakistan v New Zealand

A loss would be their third series defeat at home in a season after going down 1-0 to Australia and 3-0 to England earlier this year.

No team has chased more than 314 to win a Test in Pakistan, which the home team achieved against Australia in Karachi 1994.

New Zealand declared their second innings ten minutes before close on 277-5 after Michael Bracewell hit a career-best 74 not out and Tom Blundell 74 -- the pair turning the tide with a 127-run fifth wicket stand.

Bracewell, however, still feels the match can go either way.

"Obviously 319 runs is a tough ask on the final day, but the wicket has not deteriorated too much so I think it's still very much in the balance," he said.

"The first hour (tomorrow) will go a long way in winning the match for either side."

Pakistan had the match under control when they had New Zealand struggling at 128-4 from 76-1 at lunch, removing Tom Latham (62), Kane Williamson (41) and Henry Nicholls (five).

But Blundell, dropped on 21 by wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed off spinner Abrar Ahmed, punished the home team with seven boundaries and a six before holing out off Agha Salman.

Bracewell, whose previous best of 49 was against England earlier this year, was also