Yasir Shah key to Pak's success in Hamilton, believes Azhar Mahmood

Revealing the success mantra for the upcoming Hamilton Test against New Zealand, Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood believes that his side can stage a strong comeback if they utilise leg-spinner Yasir Shah effectively.

Mahmood, who saw New Zealand bowlers wreak havoc on a seam-friendly pitch during Misbah-ul-Haq's side eight-wicket defeat in Christchurch, said that if Pakistan manage to push the game into fourth and fifth day then Yasir could come up with a match-winning performance for the tourists.

"We want the game to move into fourth and fifth day so that Yasir can come into play. He is one of the best bowlers in the world," the Express Tribune quoted Mahmood as saying.

The 41-year-old further called on Pakistan's batting line-up to be more disciplined and play positive cricket.

"The new ball is crucial here, so if we don't lose a wicket with the new ball then we can bat for long," he said. "There's no excuse, we have to play positive and good cricket."

Pakistan will head into the second match on Friday, trailing 0-1 in the two-match series.

The visitors will be without Test captain Misbah, who will miss the game after returned home following the death of his father-in-law, and was later handed a one-match ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for slow over-rate during in Christchurch Test.

ODI skipper and Test vice-captain Azhar Ali will lead the side in the 42-year-old's absence.