The Blackcaps failed to capitalise on a strong start as Pakistan finished day one of the second cricket test on 207/4 in Dubai.
The opening day was very slow as Pakistan finished with a scoring rate of 2.30 runs per over.
The hosts won the toss and decided to bat, and were reeling at 25/2 as Colin de Grandhomme (2/31) took the wickets of Mohammad Hafeez (nine) and Imam-ul-Haq (nine) in a dominant opening session by the Kiwis.
But a 126-run third-wicket stand between Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail saved Pakistan.
Ali made a patient 81 in 187 balls with seven fours and a six before he was run out, and left-handed Sohail overcame a shaky start to remain unbeaten on 81 off 240 deliveries at stumps.
The pair needed more than 60 overs to raise the partnership before Ali's dismissal.
The 33-year-old made a costly mistake when he was run-out trying to go for a quick single.
Blackcaps' left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel (1/60) then took the wicket of Asad Shafiq (12) just before stumps as his hook shot went straight into the hands of Neil Wagner.
Pakistan will start day two with Sohail and Babar Azam (14) at the crease.
Having won the first test by four runs, a win in at the Dubai International Stadium would secure the Blackcaps a first away win against Pakistan in the longest format since way back in 1969-70.
Newshub.
