Ahmed Shehzad's unbeaten 126 has ensured that Pakistan made solid progress on the opening day of their first Test clash with New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, with Misbah-ul-Haq's side finishing on 269-1 at the close of play.
New Zealand's opening gambit in their tour of the United Arab Emirates proved to be a tiresome one, as Shehzad and his opening partner Mohammad Hafeez laid the foundation for a promising total in trying conditions in the Middle East.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, with Pakistan's opening pair taking the tour hosts to 16-0 after just four overs with some clever play both on the front and back foot.
Good work from both batsman saw Pakistan through to 85-0 at lunch, before a superb stand from the duo saw them build a dominant lead, that was until an unlucky Hafeez was caught and bowled by Corey Anderson just four runs short of his century.
The hosts continued to dominate having resumed after tea on 194-1, with Shehzad completing his century soon after the interval as he sought to further Pakistan's advantage with the help of Azhar Ali, who finished on 46 not out at stumps.
Christopher Dodd
