Haris Sohail, Azhar Ali star on day of attrition

Pakistan 207 for 4 (Azhar 81, Sohail 81*) v New Zealand

Dubai: Having lost two early wickets, the Pakistan batsmen adopted a conservative approach to keep the New Zealand bowlers at bay on a difficult pitch.

The New Zealand bowlers kept things tight, and although it was just the first day, the pitch offered plenty of turn for the spinners, while the old ball moved prodigiously for Neil Wagner and Trent Boult, yet Pakistan were able to close the day at 207/4, courtesy of steely knocks by Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail.

The duo were united at 25/2 after Colin de Grandhomme had removed both the openers pretty cheaply. And they put up a painstaking 126-run stand to prop Pakistan up to a strong position.

Of the two Azhar was more willing to play run-scoring shots, while Haris Sohail opened up a little bit only towards the end of day's play.

Babar Azam looked a lot more confident at the crease and hit Trent Boult for back to back boundaries off the second new ball.

Sohail prefereed to stay watchful late in the day and was happy to leave everything outside off. Sohail will resume day 2 at 81, while Azam has 14 against his name.