New Zealand celebrates capturing a Pakistan wicket. Photo / Getty Images.
Andrew Alderson breaks down the best bits from the first day of the third test between the Black Caps and Pakistan in Sharjah.
Important moment:
At 175 for three Mohammad Hafeez appeared to edge a glance behind off Daniel Vettori on 117. New Zealand reviewed but, without Hotspot or Snicko,
television umpire Ranmore Martinesz had to give Hafeez - and umpire Paul Reiffel - the benefit of the doubt on sight alone.
Best shot:
The Pakistanis granted Vettori respect for the most part, although Hafeez demonstrated some healthy cheek lofting a pull shot for six over mid-wicket in the left-arm spinner's second over. It was a refreshing challenge to Vettori's bowling status in his record 112th New Zealand cap.
Ball of the day:
Vettori got an arm ball to befuddle Younis Khan on five. Younis looked so bemused he even wasted a review. It was joy tempered with relief for Vettori as he sought to justify his recall and the decision to play three spinners.
That's quirky:
A goat was shepherded through the terraces to the exit after making a break for freedom into the stadium. Apparently the groundsman keeps a few at his pad on site. There would have been slim pickings for the animal if it had reached the pitch.
