Everything was happening for us and happening for me Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar wrecked New Zealand's second innings to leave Pakistan 28 runs from a match and series victory at close of play on Monday.

Shoaib took 6-30 as New Zealand lost their last seven wickets for just eight runs to be all out for 103 in their second innings.

Pakistan nevertheless faced a tough target of 274 to win, but they cruised to 246-3 by stumps with half-centuries from three of the top five.

The first match in Hamilton was drawn but Pakistan had dominated the first three days in Wellington to lead by 170 on first innings.

The game swung dramatically in Pakistan's favour on Monday, however.

And they could even have closed out victory in the final session, but declined an offer from the umpires to play on for an extra 30 minutes.

That decision could conceivably backfire given that rain is forecast for the final day.

Ian Butler's technique was no match for Shoaib's express pace

Shoaib, supported by Shabbir Ahmed, had run riot earlier on.

Four New Zealand batsmen failed to score and only three struggled into double figures as they tumbled dramatically from 95-3.

Once Mark Richardson was caught behind off Shoaib for 41, the innings never recovered.

The very next ball, Scott Styris was bowled for a golden duck and when nightwatchman Daryl Tuffey was run out the score was suddenly 96-6.

The total inched past the 100-mark before Shabbir won successive lbw verdicts against Jacob Orman and Daniel Vettori.

And Shoaib closed out the innings abruptly when he bowled Robbie Hart and Ian Butler for ducks with the second and last balls of his 18th over.

The home team's bowlers were unable to make good the errors of their batsmen.

It was incredible that Inzi didn't request the additional 30 minutes in order to pursue the inevitable victory From Nick Jet Have your say on TMS

Openers Imran Farhat (14) and Taufeeq Umar (34)gave the tourists something of a platform.

Yasir Hameed (59), Yousuf Youhana (73 not out) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (57 not out) then pushed the match well beyond the reach of the home side.

New Zealand: Mark Richardson, Lou Vincent, Stephen Fleming (capt), Richard Jones, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Jacob Oram, Robbie Hart, Daniel Vettori, Daryl Tuffey, Ian Butler.

Pakistan: Imran Farhat, Taufeeq Umar, Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Yasir Hameed, Yousuf Youhana, Moin Khan, Mohammad Sami, Shoaib Akhtar, Shabbir Ahmed, Danish Kaneria, Abdul Razzaq.