New Zealand strengthen position despite rain After an exciting first days play in Dunedin, the second day proved to be a damp squib. It rained for most part of the day as New Zealand moved to 404-8 as only 36 overs of a scheduled 90 overs were possible. New Zealands overnight unbeaten pair of Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori consolidated their teams position with a determined 164 runs stand for the seventh wicket. Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer bowled fiery opening spells but once their opening spells were over, Pakistan team went on the defensive as both McCullum and Vettori played their shots with ease. McCullum reached his 14th Test fifty Vettori completed his 21st Test fifty. It was Umar Gul who provided Pakistan with the first breakthrough of the day when he bowled Brendon McCullum with a perfect yorker. The New Zealand keeper batsman made 78 off 154 balls including 12 boundaries. Daniel Vettori carried on from the other end and became the highest scorer at number eight position in Test cricket overtaking Australias Shane Warne. The Kiwi skipper looked all set for a hundred but fell agonizingly short on 99 when he was caught behind by Kamran Akmal off the bowling of Umar Gul. Vettori faced 133 balls and laced his innings with 14 fours some of which were really well timed and placed. Just one ball after Vettoris dismissal, New Zealand were offered the light which they accepted to end the day on 404 for eight, with Shane Bond unbeaten on eight and OBrien two not out. New Zealand have strengthened their position in this Test pretty much. With a 400 plus score on the board they are already in a position to declare. The pitch seemed to have eased out quite a bit which will be good news for Pakistan batsmen. However the Black Caps have got a formidable bowling attack which can create problems for the Pakistani batting line. So Pakistan have got their work cut out for day three and if the weather allows they will have to really play well to save this Test.