Day 1: Focused Fleming

A determined 125* from Stephen Fleming has allowed New Zealand to end Day 1 of the First Test against Pakistan with a slender advantage.

Upon winning the toss, visiting captain Inzamam-ul-Haq offered his bowlers first use on a wicket typical to that of what New Zealand has offered of late - helpful for seamers.

His side was somewhat depleted however by the loss of celebrated speedster Shoaib Akhtar to a hamstring twinge. His injury was offset by the arrival of Abdur Razzaq to the touring party and match day XI.

As expected, Paul Wiseman and Richard Jones were left out of the Black Cap's starting XI.

Inzamam's decision payed early dividends with the dismissal of erratic Lou Vincent - caught by the captain himself off Shabbir Ahmed for just 8.

Mark Richardson and Stephen Fleming then set about repairing the early damage and did so in competent fashion, despite Richardson's penchant for uncertain running between the wickets.

Fittingly, as the partnership ticked over to 101 Richardson fell victim to his own uncertainty and was dismissed for 44 to a sloppy run out.

Scott Styris then joined his captain at the wicket, this time adding an even hundred.

Despite his uninspiring aura, Styris has fast become a key player for the New Zealand side due to his penchant to perform with bat and ball.

Danish Kaneria claimed his first wicket of the series in the 64th over when he had Styris caught by the reliable Taufeeq Umar for 33.

Craig McMillan then clubbed a brisk 22 from as many deliveries before falling to the same combination as Styris - ct Umar b Kaneria.

The much-publicised return to Test cricket of Chris Cairns failed to deliver the extreme hopes of the New Zealand public, with the able all-rounder making a disappointing 11 before he became Ahmed's second wicket.

Fellow all-rounder Jacob Oram lasted just 16 balls for his 6 before he was undone by a sharp Ahmed delivery, out bowled. The Black Caps had stumbled to 274/6 after being 217/2.

Gritty keeper Robbie Hart replaced Oram at the crease and finished on 7 at the close of play.

The day's play however belonged to Fleming, batting through the best part of 84 overs for his 6th Test hundred. His Test average slowly but surely continues its climb towards 40.

For the visitors, Shabbir Ahmed was the linchpin, taking 3/51 from 24 impressive overs. Danish Kaneria managed 2/63, with Umar Gul, Mohammad Sami and Abdur Razzaq wicket less.

Amazingly, Sami finished the day with an astonishing 15 no balls as a sidenote.

Progress Score: Stumps Day 1

New Zealand 295/6 (S Fleming 125*, M Richardson 44, Shabbir Ahmed 3/51)

Posted by Andre