Pakistan survive to salvage draw in Dubai

Skipper Brendon McCullum says the Black Caps will take a real confidence boost into next week's third and final Test against Pakistan in Sharjah.

An improved batting effort, coupled with a mix of intelligent spin and effective seam bowling, meant the second Test in Dubai ended in a draw early on Saturday.

New Zealand won the crucial toss, then posted a solid 403-run first innings total before removing Pakistan for 393.

Boosted by man-of-the-match Ross Taylor's second innings century, the Black Caps declared at 250-9, setting Pakistan a tempting target of 261 in a possible 72 overs.

Despite losing three wickets for five runs after lunch on the final day, the hosts regathered to fall 65 runs short, finishing on 196-5.

McCullum said there was plenty to be happy about from the New Zealand effort, which showed encouraging improvement from their 248-run first Test loss in Abu Dhabi.

"It's a really good sign from my point of view," McCullum said.

"I think it shows a young team is prepared to play aggressive cricket and try and get some wins in the column."

Former skipper Taylor's 12th Test century played a big part in giving New Zealand a real shot at a win.

"Ross's innings was brilliant - the game was teetering, and in the past we've had a tendency to probably go into our shells during those situations," McCullum said.

Taylor came to the middle with the Black Caps looking shaky at 63-2, and went on to anchor the innings with a 133-ball 104 which included 12 fours.

"To keep doing that in trying circumstances takes a lot of courage, and it was great to see him get that hundred and get us into a position where we could make a bold declaration," McCullum said.

The result meant the Kiwis would approach the third and final Test in Sharjah, beginning on November 26, with added confidence, he added.

"We have to look at what we've done really well throughout this Test and bank the confidence that breeds.

"We can head to Sharjah knowing we've got the opportunity to win away from home if we play up a little bit from the standard we operated at here."