Pakistan appear to be on the way to a 2-1 lead in the one-day cricket series in New Zealand with the side travelling well at 53 for one after 10 overs, chasing a target of 263 for victory.
The Black Caps claimed a much-needed wicket in the ninth over of Pakistan's innings with opener Mohammad Hafeez holing out for 12 to an excellent catch by Ross Taylor, off the bowling of Hamish Bennett.
Nathan McCullum's unbeaten 53 and James Franklin's 62 saved the New Zealand innings, which was in trouble at 79 for five when Franklin came to the crease.
The pair put on a half-century partnership against Pakistan in Napier that ended on 64 runs when Franklin was caught off Shahid Afridi's bowling.
Franklin was a late inclusion for Jesse Ryder, who failed to recover from a finger injury.
Brendon McCullum's quickfire 37 was the other notable score.
The two openers Martin Guptill and Jamie How holed out cheaply for 21 and 13 respectively, vice-captain Ross Taylor went for just four then batsman Scott Styris ran himself out for 11 trying for a run that wasn't there. Kane Williamson was caught for 15 soon afterwards.
The hosts won the toss and chose to bat on a perfect day in Napier with a good batting surface at McLean Park.
Wahab Riaz was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with three wickets for 51 from his 10 overs.
