With the ball whipping about like a kite on the opening morning of the second test in Hamilton, Jeet Raval weaved out of harm's way and drove convincingly to guide New Zealand to 77 for two at lunch against Pakistan.
The visitors, under debut skipper Azhar Ali, won a delayed toss and chose to field under an overcast sky. Play started on time but rain always threatened as a smattering of locals filled the embankment.
Raval continued the form which justified the selectors' faith during his compelling 55 and 36 not out on debut in Christchurch. He was unbeaten on 35, including five boundaries.
Sohail Khan, Mohammad Amir and Imran Khan produced their share of intimidating moments. Raval was dropped by first slip Sami Aslam on the third ball of the match from Amir. The Aucklander got a single two balls later. He looked to work a ball into the legside but squirted it through point. That brought Tom Latham onto strike, albeit briefly. He was forced onto the back foot first ball which gave Aslam further practice. This time the Pakistani's hands passed muster.
Williamson constructed a sound second-wicket partnership with Raval. That extended to 38 runs until a Sohail Khan gem snuck through the No.3's defence as he shaped to drive in the 15th over.
