Umar Gul took 4-61 and left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman claimed 3-119 for Pakistan, which scored 376 in reply to New Zealand's first innings of 356.

Martin Guptill scored 73 and Brendon McCullum struck 64 in a 120-run opening partnership for New Zealand as it sought a substantial lead in its bid to win the match and level the series. Ross Taylor went on to score 52, but New Zealand struggled to build on that solid foundation.

An outstanding late spell of reverse swing by Gul saw New Zealand's last five wickets fall for 25 runs and kept the match in a delicate balance. Pakistan has 90 overs on the last day to chase down its target of 274 and maintain its unbeaten record at the Basin Reserve, where it has won three and drawn four of its seven previous Tests.

Pakistan leads the current series 1-0 after winning the first match at Hamilton by 10 wickets.

“It's set up for what could be a great day of Test cricket,” McCullum said.

“About 270 was probably what we were looking at in the day, regardless of whether we were bowled out or not. The other option could have been if we were able to carry on at the top and got, say, 350 in a real hurry. In the end, 280-odd runs in the day sets it up pretty nicely.” New Zealand resumed Tuesday at 9-0, looking to press on quickly to a position, which gave it some control of the match. Guptill and McCullum gave it a perfect start, taking New Zealand to 106 without loss by lunch, only its second 100-run opening partnerships in Tests since 2004.

But when McCullum was dismissed, Pakistan was able to restrict the New Zealand scoring, slowing its over rate and setting defensive fields while left-armer Wahab Riaz attacked the batsmen with short pitched bowling.

Taylor reached his second half century of the match after his 78 in the first innings, but New Zealand lost four wickets for 42 runs either side of tea. Reece Young joined Taylor to put on 60 for the sixth wicket, steadying the innings, but both were out in the final 30 minutes before stumps.

Rehman and part-time off spinner Mohammad Hafeez bowled well, but also gave New Zealand hope, showing there will be turn in the pitch on the final day.

“Everyone in the changing room is incredibly excited about what tomorrow brings.” McCullum said. “To be able to turn up on the fifth day of a Test match not knowing whether you're going to win or lose and having the opportunity to win is pretty exciting.

“We've got to bowl them out and I think we saw tonight that the pitch is taking some turn. I know Daniel (Vettori) is champing at the bit to get the ball in his hand as well and we've got a couple of other bowlers who have performed extremely well in this series too, so they're all extremely excited about their opportunity and I know the fielders will be backing them up as well.” Pakistan was at times sloppy in the field, putting down five catches including Guptill three times.

Rain is forecast for Wellington on Wednesday morning, but is expected to clear during the day.