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HAMILTON: Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill steadied the ship after New Zealand lost their first wicket in just the second over against Pakistan, guiding the hosts to 78 for one at lunch on the opening day of the first test on Friday.
McCullum was on 42 and Guptill 28 after Tim McIntosh had been dismissed for five to leave New Zealand nine for one after being asked to bat by Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq.
The hosts could have been in deeper trouble at the break but a huge appeal for caught behind against McCullum off left-armer Wahab Riaz was turned down by umpire Rod Tucker.
Television replays showed the ball had brushed his gloves as he attempted a pull shot. The umpire referral system is not in use during the series.
Tanvir Ahmed picked up McIntosh's wicket when he defended at a delivery that did not seem to do much in the air or off the pitch, the ball well taken by Younus Khan low at second slip.
Misbah had surprisingly chosen to field, despite the wicket appearing to be dry and traditionally assisting spin later in the match, to take advantage of the green-tinged pitch and bright, humid conditions.
Umar Gul provided some discomfort for the New Zealand openers, hitting McCullum on the thigh and creating some false shots with the ball flying off thick edges in the first hour, though the pitch later settled down.
