The Black Caps started the day with Tom Latham and Corey Anderson at the crease and they finished it exactly how they would have liked. Although they weren't able to put 500 on the board and declare late in the day, they were dismissed for 403 but still got a crack at Pakistan for 19 overs.

It was a solid day's play for the Kiwis, there were still little things to nit pick. They could have definitely got a bigger total/moved the game along quicker if they were a bit more confident against the spin which is a hell of a lot easier said than done. It's still troubling to see our premier all rounders struggling, but they're young and they are the stereotypical Kiwi all rounder so facing spin against a hot Pakistan in Dubai is pretty difficult.

There was a fight, some heart and some ballbags from the Black Caps which was awesome. They tried to eek every run out of Pakistan that they could and were rewarded with two late wickets as Pakistan finished the day on 34/2.

That's the way the cricketing gods work huh? If you apply yourself, not only are you rewarded with runs but you're rewarded with ending the day pretty much where you want to be - even if you took a different route.

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BJ Watling is my favourite batsmen because he's exactly what the Black Caps need down the order. While he didn't get a big score, his 40 odd was huge and it was a typical Watling innings. Obviously gotta tip the hat to Tom Latham as well, keep it up big fella.

Two lads who are impressing the most are Mark Craig and Ish Sodhi. You could make a case that they've been two of our best batsmen and their worth with the ball is obvious. They each picked up a wicket and should look to trouble Pakistan today. If they can rip a few and the cricketing gods are smiling their way, then the Black Caps could have Pakistan all out by the end of the day. Dreaming? Kinda, but possible.