The New Zealanders also avoid face Yasir Shah in the fourth innings on a wearing pitch.
In seven fourth innings away from Pakistan's pseudo home of the United Arab Emirates, his 20 wickets have come at 22.65. His deliveries are like facing live chainsaws out of the dust in deteriorating conditions. Whether the current surface breaks down to such a level remains debatable.
Compare that to the third innings of away matches where he has 31 wickets at 29.06 – New Zealand must seize the advantages where they can.
Time could be a factor, given how the match has been truncated by rain. Two days are unlikely to be enough time to cater for two full innings.
A definitive target might help the Black Caps' cause. Hesitancy can cause second innings collapses. Three examples spring to mind.
Against the West Indies at Dunedin in 1980, a 109-run first innings lead reduced to a last-wicket second innings scramble for a leg bye from Gary Troup and Stephen Boock in the chase for 104.
Against England at Manchester in 2008, a 179-run lead turned into a six-wicket victory for the hosts when they dismissed New Zealand for 114 in the second innings and chased 294.
Against India at Auckland in 2014, a 303-run lead saw the hosts hold on to win by 40 runs, despite getting rolled for 105 in their return at bat.
Perhaps Pakistan batting coach Younis Khan summed the situation up best.
"The pitch is on the slow side, so they need to be brave. We are expecting an early declaration and we are ready for that."
