Ahmed Shehzad batted through the opening day of the first Test as Pakistan’s batsmen immediately served notice of their intent against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan lost only the wicket of Mohammad Hafeez, after a record-breaking stand with Shehzad, as they enjoyed a day equally as profitable as any duringtheir recent dominating 2-0 series win over Australia.
Younus Khan was the hero of that success, hitting a hat-trick of tons, but the veteran number four was not even required as Pakistan ominously ground out 269 for one by stumps.
Shehzad was able to walk from the ground unbeaten on 126, his third century in just his eighth Test, to ensure Pakistan maintained the momentum built up over the past month against New Zealand’s Antipodean neighbours.
Corey Anderson, one of seven bowlers used, was the only Kiwi to enjoy success when he held a return catch from Hafeez with the opener four runs short of three figures.
By that stage a 178-run stand had already been built, the largest by a Pakistan opening pair against New Zealand, and shortly after tea Shehzad brought up his patient century from 221 balls.
The opener was handed one reprieve when he was on 16, wicketkeeper BJ Watling missing a stumping chance after Shehzad was beaten by off-spinner Mark Craig.
It was a costly miss and Watling put down the only other chance created by New Zealand, albeit after his own quick thinking, when he anticipated an Azhar Ali reverse-paddle sweep only for an edge to hit him in the chest.
Azhar remained to reach stumps on 46 and with Younus, Pakistan’s record century-maker, still in reserve New Zealand appear set for another long day in the sun tomorrow.