Andrew Alderson on the key moments after the opening day of the first test between New Zealand and Pakistan at Abu Dhabi.
Important moment:
Mark Craig lured Ahmed Shehzad out of his crease on 16 when the score was 44 without loss. His delivery beat the bat but B-J Watling fumbled and a chance went begging. Shehzad finished the day unbeaten on 126.
Best shot:
Shehzad let a shorter Ish Sodhi delivery spin and bounce before executing a perfect square cut behind point in the 49th over. This was the case for a number of shots backward of square on the offside where the Pakistanis, confident in the pace and bounce, demonstrated supple wrists.
Ball of the day:
Ish Sodhi got one to spin away from Mohammad Hafeez and take the edge in defence. It half-volleyed into the hands of Ross Taylor at slip. The flight and dip generated confusion. He deserved a wicket. The reality? Hafeez added 61 more runs.
That's quirky:
An indication of New Zealand's difficulties came when captain Brendon McCullum's bowled for the second time in a test. He came on in the 73rd over with Pakistan 226 for one. He finished with none for five off four.
