ABU DHABI: Pakistan's top batting order on Sunday came hard on the Kiwis and scored 269 runs at the loss of just one wicket by the end of day's play at the Zayed International Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Ahmed Shehzad continued his top form and was unbeaten on 126. Azhar Ali provided firm support to Shehzad at the other end by scoring not out 46.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan's opening pair built up a strong partnership of 178 runs. CJ Anderson got Mohammad Hafeez caught and bowled when he looking solid at 96.

New Zealand's hopes faded when leg-spinner IS Sodhi could not come good after his brilliant show of performance in the drawn side game against Pakistan 'A'.

Pakistan would continue to attack a New Zealand team who also struggle against spin and have not won a Test series against Pakistan since a 2-0 triumph at home in 1985.

More impressive is Pakistan's home record, having not lost against the Black Caps since 1969. Of the 50 Tests between the two, Pakistan have won 23 and New Zealand just seven with 20 drawn.

Pakistan had won the toss and decided to bat first. Pakistan looked to keep their winning momentum which gave them a long-awaited series victory over Australia.

Pakistan had achieved a rare 2-0 win with emphatic 221-run and 356-run victories for their first series win over Australia in 20 years.

The win was more significant as Pakistan were without their match-winning spinner Saeed Ajmal who is suspended due to illegal bowling action while spearheads Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz were both injured.

Teams (from)

Pakistan: Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali and Imran Khan

New Zealand: TWM Latham, BB McCullum, KS Williamson, LRPL Taylor, CJ Anderson, JDS Neesham, BJ Watling, TG Southee, MD Craig, IS Sodhi and TA Boult