ABU DHABI: Pakistan’s openers made a confident start as they chased 176 to win the first Test against New Zealand, reaching 37-0 at the close of the third day in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Imam-ul-Haq was 25 not out and Mohammad Hafeez was eight not out were at the crease and Pakistan will need another 139 runs with all ten wickets and two days to play after New Zealand were dismissed for 249 in their second innings.
Medium pacer Hasan Ali registered his first five-wicket haul with 5-45 while leg-spinner Yasir Shah finished with 5-110 — his 14th five-wicket in innings feat — as New Zealand lost their last six wickets for just 29 runs.
BJ Watling (59) and Henry Nicholls (55) added 112 runs for the fifth wicket to frustrate Pakistan in the first two sessions.
The second Test is in Dubai from November 24-28 while the third is in Abu Dhabi from December 3-7.
