Abu Dhabi: New Zealand, set a daunting target of 480 runs to win, were facing defeat as they finished the fourth day of the first Test against Pakistan on 174-8 in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday
At the crease were New Zealand's ninth wicket pair of Mark Craig (27) and Ish Sodhi (27) as they defied Pakistan in a 36-run stand.
New Zealand still need 306 runs while Pakistan need two wickets.
Pakistan declared their second innings at 175-2 with opener Mohammad Hafeez hitting an unbeaten 101 for his sixth Test hundred.
Brendon McCullum (39), Corey Anderson (23) and Kane Williamson (23) were the other run-getters.
Zulfiqar Babar, Yasir Shah and Rahat Ali took two wickets apiece.
Pakistan had made 566-3 declared in their first innings while New Zealand were bowled out for 262 in their first knock.
Brief scores
Pakistan - 566/3 dec (Shehzad 176, Misbah 102*, Younis 100*, Hafeez 96, Azhar 87) and 175/2d (Hafeez 101*)
New Zealand - 262 (Latham 103, Rahat 4-22, Babar 3-79) and 174/8
Status - New Zealand require another 306 runs