Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st Test, Day 1

New Zealand opted to bat in Abu Dhabi, and picked Neil Wagner over Tim Southee whilst handing a debut to Ajaz Patel. Pakistan went in with Hasan Ali over incumbent Mir Hamza.

Reeling at 39 for 3, Kane Williamson and teammate Henry Nicholls put on a 72-run stand for the fourth wicket. Williamson also brought up his 27th Test fifty.

Mohammad Abbas picked two crucial wickets: that of Jeet Rawal to provide the first breakthrough and then that of Henry Nicholls in the second session, which opened the floodgates.

Yasir Shah picked three wickets overall. New Zealand lost seven wickets in the second session, with Hasan Ali striking twice in two balls to remove Williamson and de Grandhomme. They folded for 153 - the lowest first innings total in Abu Dhabi.

Mohammad Hafeez was brisk during 31-ball 20 but Pakistan lost both their openers before Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail played the day out with a 32-run stand.