Pakistan salvaged a draw in the second Test against New Zealand in Dubai on Friday after being set a challenging target of 261 off 72 overs on the back of a brilliant Ross Taylor century.

The early loss of four Pakistani wickets meant all results were possible by tea on the final day but Pakistan finished 65 runs short of victory when bad light ended play five overs before the scheduled close.

Asad Shafiq was 41 not out and Sarfraz Ahmed was on 24 as Pakistan finished on 5-196, with the draw preserving their 1-0 lead in the three-match series following last week’s 248-run win in Abu Dhabi.

An 8000 holiday crowd had anticipated a Pakistan win after New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum had sportingly declared at 9-250 after Taylor notched 104 for his 12th Test century.

“Credit to New Zealand,” said Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq. “They showed a lot of improvement after the first game.

“I’m a little bit disappointed because, had we taken our chances, we could have had a better result.”

McCullum praised New Zealand’s resolve, saying: “Obviously it was a very very good Test match. It was a great effort and I think the toss was really important and we managed to put on a good total (403 after he elected to bat) and that really lifted us. I am proud of the boys.”

Younis (44) and Shafiq lifted Pakistan from a precarious 4-75 after Trent Boult had dismissed Shan Masood (40) and Misbah (0) in successive overs.

Pakistan, needing 130 in the last 20 overs, picked up the tempo with Shafiq hitting two boundaries off Mark Craig but the offspinner derailed the chase when he dismissed Younis with a turning, rising delivery that took the edge and was well held at slip by Taylor.

Younis hit three sixes and two boundaries in his 84-ball knock.

Boult finished with 2-12 in 10 overs while Craig took 2-66 from 17.

Pakistan had lost opener Taufeeq Umar for four in the second over to Tim Southee before Masood and Azhar Ali (24) put on a solid 62 for the second wicket.

Ali then hit a Craig full toss straight into the hands of covers before Boult trapped Masood lbw and had Misbah caught behind.

Earlier, Taylor anchored the New Zealand innings.

Taylor, who had just 31 runs in three innings this series, batted with authority during a 200-minute stay at the crease with 12 boundaries.

New Zealand, resuming on 6-167, looked for quick runs which came once Taylor reached his hundred.

Legspinner Yasir Shah, who finished with his first five-wicket haul for figures of 5-79, removed Taylor and Craig (34) in the same over.

The third and final Test starts on Wednesday in Sharjah.