Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson had helped his side to a commanding position at stumps on day three of the second test against Pakistan in Christchurch.
Williamson picked up where he left of on day two, racing past the 200 mark to notch his second double century of the summer - the fourth of his career - in the most sparkling hand of many, as NZ declared a mammoth first innings total of 659/6.
The world's No.1 test batsman lived up to his ranking with another virtuoso peformance, eventually dismissed for 238. The innings included 28 boundaries compiled across more than nine hours at the crease.
With enough time for late 11-over assault, Kyle Jamieson snared opener Abid caught behind to put the tourists at 8/1 at the close of play, still trailing by 354 runs with two days remaining.
Henry Nicholls fought through his calf injury to reach 157, combining with his captain for a 369-run fourth-wicket stand - the third highest partnership in NZ test history.
There was also time for a magnificent cameo from Daryl Mitchell, who was afforded a couple of extra overs prior to the NZ declaration to bring up his maiden test century, leading his side off with an undefeated 102.
The Pakistan batsmen have proven their temprament for occupying the crease, but holding on to save this test match - let alone win it - will require an otherworldly effort against a Blackcaps side that can seemingly do no wrong.
New Zealand need a 2-0 series sweep to keep their hopes of both securing a spot in the ICC world test championship final and the ICC's official No.1 ranking alive.
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