Mohammad Asif has had a tumultuous time in the last two years both on and off the field but one feels he has returned stronger from the experience. The controversy-hit paceman, making his Test comeback following a two-year absence, was the star performer for Pakistan on day four of the first Test against New Zealand at Dunedin. Asif first added 10 runs with the bat early in the day as Pakistan reduced the first innings deficit to double figures. When Pakistan were all out for 332 in their first innings with a deficit of 97 runs they needed their bowlers to take early wickets and peg back the New Zealanders. Mohammad Asif combined excellently with Mohammad Aamer to do the job for Pakistan. Aamer took the first two wickets after which Asif got into the act. The lanky paceman continued with his impressive first innings display where he took 4-108 and seamed the ball to near perfection. On day four Asif was even more accurate and on the money than in the first innings. He seamed the ball both ways at will and made the life difficult for the New Zealand batsmen. Asif's first dismissal of the day was opener Tim McIntosh who had batted resolutely by then. Asif trapped him leg before for 31. Soon after he squared up Kiwi dangerman Brendon McCullum for a duck as Kamran Akmal took the catch behind the stumps. Asif then removed New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori caught on the leg side as Pakistan's position was consolidated further with Kiwis at 123-7. Asif took one final wicket for the day when he clean bowled Shane Bond. Asif ended the day with fine figures of 4-41 off 17.5 overs. Undoubtedly it was Mohammad Asif's spell on day four which has brought Pakistan right back into the game. Now on day five Asif will have a chance of completing his five wicket haul and if he takes both the remaining wickets than a well deserved ten wicket match haul is also possible. Its really heartening to see Asif comeback so well after what he has gone through and one hopes that Pakistan make full use of his efforts on day four and win the game on the final day. -Nabeel Sabir