Lunch New Zealand 433 for 9 (Henry 56*, Blundell 51, Ajaz 31*, Abrar 3-142, Naseem 3-71) vs Pakistan

Ajaz was more circumspect in the partnership, freeing his arm on rare occasions in his 64-ball stay. He crunched three fours but looked quite comfortable against Pakistan's bowlers, especially to the short-pitched bowling that Pakistan tested him - unsuccessfully - with.

Earlier in the day, Ish Sodhi and Blundell started proceedings, but Sodhi could not last long, falling for 11 to Naseem to a length ball that held its line and knocked off stump back.

Blundell, in No. 9 Tim Southee's company, reached his ninth Test fifty after starting the day off with three maidens. But when Abrar dismissed him after drinks for 51 and Tim Southee for nine, Pakistan seemed to have the upper hand. However, Henry and Ajaz frustrated Pakistan, with a number of misfields and misjudged fielding efforts during their partnership. Not only did the two batters appear comfortable, but they thrived with the bat. When umpire Aleem Dar knocked the bails off to call for lunch, the New Zealand players were on their feet, applauding the Henry-Ajaz pair for their effort.