Obviously crucial for Pakistan to get their runs in the first innings as conditions may get tough to bat on come day five if this hot weather continues and presumably helps Vettori and Williamson in the latter stages with the ball.
Been a good performance from Pakistan today, was hard going at times because while there is very little happening either in the air or off the pitch, it does look slow and not conducive to fluent strokeplay. That said Taufeeq Umar played some glorious strokes at the top of the innings, presumably the new ball was coming onto the bat much better.
Been an excellent partnership so far between Shafiq and Misbah. Was very watchful, Misbah in particular, until he decided to take a chance or two in the last half a dozen overs before the close. Not sure what his thinking was, whether he thought NZ were looking jaded in the field, or he just fancied playing a few shots, any ideas ?
Expected Misbah to play a few more shots against Vettori, at least work him round better with his innovative reverse sweeps and conventional sweeps, but he generally just dead batted him back.
Tim Southee worked hard all day and bowled well, got the ball to just shape in, reverse swing, on occasions. Stuck to good areas and deserved a bit more luck.
