Hafeez's competence against the New Zealand attack, particularly in the final session when Pakistan added 95 without loss, meant the perseverance which had paid dividends by tea was diluted.
Compounding matters was a dropped catch by B-J Watling when captain Misbah-ul-Haq was on 20 and the score was 235 for three. Ish Sodhi got Misbah to take the bait; Watling snatched and spilt it.
Earlier, New Zealand had stymied the flow with quick wickets to Mark Craig and Vettori after an 87-run second wicket stand between Hafeez and Azhar Ali. The pair largely justified the inclusion of three spinners in the playing XI but Pakistan's late flourish means judgment must be reserved until the second day.
Before the toss the New Zealand bowlers cast furtive glances at captain Brendon McCullum as he prepared to call. They had every right to be anxious. They were practising their bowling on an adjacent pitch and the sheen of the batting-friendly clay would've been blinding in the sun.
Down went the coin, McCullum lost, and up went Pakistan's chances of dominating this test.
Openers Shan Masood and Hafeez provided early evidence. The time they had to play deliveries brought to mind the 'bullet time' scene in The Matrix. Still, a solitary batting glitch can be costly, as Masood discovered when he failed to cover a Craig delivery from around the wicket on 12.
Craig also lured Azhar Ali into a false stroke wide of off stump and Ross Taylor picked up the catch, taking him to 99 for his career. At 0.9 per innings Taylor has the second best ratio behind Australia's Bob Simpson (0.94) for fielders with more than 70.
Craig, with figures of two for 67 from 16 overs was the most aggressive of the bowlers albeit at relative expense. However, he used the crease to create more varied angles and changed his pace effectively.
Vettori, in his record 112th test and first bowl in the format for 28 months, got an arm ball to confuse Younis Khan on five. Younis looked so bemused he even wasted a review. It was his lowest test score in more than 13 months.
The Pakistanis showed Vettori respect for the most part although Hafeez demonstrated some healthy cheek when he lofted a pull shot for six over mid-wicket. It warned that Vettori's reputation is no insurance against attack.
Generally the pace bowlers must have felt like they were bowling into a stack of cushions, albeit firm ones, given the lack of carry. Bending their backs translated to expending more energy which equalled tired bodies at stumps. It was nothing an ice bath can't fix. At least a zephyr across the stadium throughout the day helped wick away sweat.
The New Zealanders' enthusiasm was not deterred by what shapes as a relentless slog. The inclination to drop the shoulders, chins and spirits would have been tempting but chatter was sustained, helped by McCullum's attacking fields. What's he got to lose?
New Zealand are 1-0 down in the series and must do something to spark momentum.
You can't begrudge Pakistan playing to their strengths on a flat wicket. The 50:50 nature of the toss means they back themselves to bat long and dominate if they win it; fight long and scramble if they lose it; and otherwise have faith that their spinners will keep opposition batsmen wary enough to negotiate a draw.
ANDREW ALDERSON TRAVELLED TO THE UAE COURTESY OF EMIRATES
