Pakistan in slow motion
They started slowly — incredibly slowly — but Pakistan blocked, nudged and eventually played their way into a strong position on day one of the second test in Dubai.
An interminable 108-run partnership off 327 balls between Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail was plodding and unconvincing for large portions, but did the job as Pakistan rebuilt their innings, reaching 133-2 after tea on the opening day.
A wicketless second session only added 68 runs in 31 overs, but it was much needed after an opening session dominated by the Black Caps.
Led by the under-pressure Colin de Grandhomme, the New Zealand bowlers were superb in the start of their quest for back-to-back victories.
While Pakistan scratched through to lunch at 56-2, it could have been worse, and only some severe luck saved the hosts from being in further trouble after an early Black Caps barrage.
With his spot in the side rightly under pressure after a serious batting slump, de Grandhomme was supported by the selectors, and proved he can still produce with the ball, taking two early wickets.
Beating the bat with regularity, de Grandhomme was drawing the openers into rash shots, and while Imam ul-Haq got away with a rash flash which went too quickly for Tom Latham to hang on to at second slip, Mohammad Hafeez wasn’t as lucky, edging to Latham who more than made amends with a smart low grab.
Ul-Haq’s time would come though, and it was the same combination that connected. De Grandhomme’s medium pace cutters again drew a false shot, and the edge went to Latham at second slip.
In between removing the openers, de Grandhomme had seen a secondball edge from Azhar fly directly between a static BJ Watling and Ross Taylor, as the Black Caps created a slew of edges and half-chances.
However, their inability to take those opportunities would prove costly. Azhar made the most of his second chance by compiling a composed unbeaten 72, while Sohail (43 off 172 balls) looked like the world’s worst batsman for 67 deliveries before lunch but after the break eventually found the middle of the bat instead of the edge.
It was closer to what was expected to happen after Pakistan had won the toss and decided to bat. Considering what happened to them when forced to bat last on a similar pitch in Abu Dhabi, it was a smart decision — one which looks better thanks to Azhar and Sohail.