Wickets help Bilal Asif regain wavering confidence

In his very first Test outing, against Australia in the preceding series, Asif had impressed with 6/36 in the first innings. Then, in the next Test, he picked up 3/23 in the first innings to help set up a series-clinching victory.

But Asif's performances dropped off a bit in the first two Tests of the three-match series against New Zealand. Across the two games at spin-friendly surfaces in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, he claimed just two wickets even as other spinners on both sides had a big impact on proceedings.

But signs of him returning to his best have become apparent by the way he bowled against New Zealand on the first day of the third Test. He delivered with unwavering accuracy and was rewarded with two wickets, including that of Colin de Grandhomme, who was looking to take him on.

Asif admitted that lack of wickets had been a concern, but insisted that he'd been bowling well all along and was just short of luck.

"Of course, it does concern you if your matches are not going well (in terms of wickets) after a good start," said Asif. "The role given to me is to contain. I was a bit unlucky not to get wickets despite bowling well. I am trying to improve day by day and acquire the skills required to excel at this level."

Asif feels like his luck has turned and hopes to leave a big mark on the fate of the deciding Test.

"I have got confidence after bowling well today," he said. "In the last two innings, I couldn't get wickets because of which I was a bit concerned. I will try to end this match on a good note."