Herald cricket writer Andrew Alderson details the best moments from the opening day of the first test between the Black Caps and Pakistan in Dubai.
Important moment: Misbah-ul-Haq flipped the coin, Brendon McCullum called 'heads' and decided to bat. Might be the most crucial call he makes this test.
Bestshot: A catalogue of candidates from Tom Latham but the straight drive off Babar along the baize, two balls after Williamson had been bowled demonstrated his confidence. Latham seized on the fact he'd overpitched and Zulfiqar Babar showed wisdom to remove his right hand from the return flight path.
Ball of the day: Babar bowling Kane Williamson for 32. This was the classic left-arm orthodox delivery to beat the bat and hit the top of off stump as the No.3 was drawn forward to play the wrong line on middle and leg. The ominous first day turn did the rest.
That's quirky: The scoreboard was on first name terms with 'TOM' and 'KANE' as they amassed their 76-run second wicket partnership.
Stats all: Latham became the second New Zealander after John F Reid in 1985 to score centuries in consecutive tests against Pakistan; he's the third New Zealand opener, after John Wright (v India, 1990) and Graham Dowling (v India, 1968) to score centuries in consecutive tests. Glenn Turner (v Australia, 1974) and Peter Fulton (v England 2013) completed the feat in one test.
Testometer New Zealand take honours for the day; Pakistan are under pressure for the first time.
ANDREW ALDERSON TRAVELLED TO THE UAE COURTESY OF EMIRATES
