Opener Mohammad Hafeez hit a solid half-century as Pakistan made 252 all out in 48.3 overs in the second day-night international in Sharjah today.
Hafeez hit a 92-ball 76 with nine boundaries and a six while skipper Misbah-ul Haq chipped in with a 65-ball 47 to rescue Pakistan from a shaky 20-3 after they won the toss and elected to bat at Sharjah stadium.
Pakistan lead the five-match series 1-0 after winning the first game in Dubai by three wickets.
With his position under threat after his suspension over his illegal bowling action, Hafeez struck form in the nick of time as he added 77 for the fourth wicket with Haris Sohail (33) and another 66 for the fifth with Misbah.
Paceman Matt Henry (4-45) had jolted Pakistan by dismissing opener Ahmed Shehzad, caught behind in the first over for a duck and then bowled Asad Shafiq (one) in his third.
In between seamer Mitchell McClenaghan, who took 3-56, had Younis Khan for six. Yunis failed to capitalise on a no-ball leg-before by the same bowler on nought.
When it looked as if Pakistan would post a 300-plus total Henry took Hafeez and Misbah, caught behind in the space of nine runs.
Misbah, who hit two fours and two sixes, wasn't happy with English umpire Richard Illingworth's decision and reviewed the decision, but it was to no avail.
His dismissal at 172 seemed to have derailed Pakistan's innings but Shahid Afridi hit three sixes and a boundary in his 14-ball 27 while Sarfraz Ahmed made 23.
McClenaghan dismissed Ahmed and Sohail Tanvir (14) in the 49th over to wrap up the innings.
Pakistan brought in Tanvir for Umar Gul, who was struggling for fitness while New Zealand were forced to make three changes.
Paceman Kyle Mills, all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and spinner Nathan McCullum made way for McClenaghan, Corey Anderson and Henry.
