Leg-spinner Yasir Shah led a double-barrelled attack of spin and pace to leave Pakistan sitting comfortably on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand on Friday.
Yasir led the varied attack with three for 54 as New Zealand, which opted to bat on a grass-less Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch, was bowled out for a below-par 153 in 66.3 overs at the stroke of tea.
The day saw 12 wickets fall as Pakistan closed at 59 for two, having lost both its openers Imam-ul-Haq (six) and Mohammad Hafeez (20) before Haris Sohail and Azhar Ali stopped the rot.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, declared fit after missing last Sunday’s third ODI due to a groin injury, top-scored with 63 before falling softly to medium-pacer Hasan Ali, who finished with two for 38.
Williamson’s 112-ball knock had five boundaries and he added 72 for the fourth wicket with Henry Nicholls who made 28 with four boundaries.
Pakistan dominated the first session as New Zealand was 81 for three at lunch.
Yasir had derailed New Zealand’s progress in the first session with the wickets of opener Tom Latham (13) and Ross Taylor (two) in his first spell.
New Zealand handed Test debut to 30-year-old left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, leaving out Tim Southee.
