Sharjah, United Arab Emirates: New Zealand's top order batsmen faltered against Pakistan A before Corey Anderson smashed a half century to give the visitors a slender lead of 29 runs on the second day of their three-day warm-up match on Tuesday.
Left-arm fast bowler Neil Wagner had opening batsman Shan Masood caught at second slip as Pakistan A moved to 13-1 at stumps, still trailing by 16 runs.
Anderson hit eight fours and four sixes in his 121-ball knock of 80 but Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, recovering from a right calf strain, couldn't get much batting practice ahead of the first test against Pakistan starting on Sunday.
No. 10 batsman Tim Southee typically hit a brisk 28 that included three sixes and a four in left-arm spinner Raza Hasan's one over, before New Zealand declared at 244-8 late in the day.
Williamson hit four boundaries and a six but was stumped on 28, and Taylor was caught behind for 11 off fast bowler Ehsan Adil.
Anderson produced the best partnership of the innings by adding 57 runs for the sixth wicket with BJ Watling, 37 not out, before his off stump was knocked back by part-time bowler Haris Sohail.
Fast bowler and Pakistan A captain Anwar Ali took 2-15, while offspinner Junaid Ilyas finished with 2-44.
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Scores:
Pakistan 215 and 13-1 (Neil Wagner 1-3) trails New Zealand 244-8 declared (Corey Anderson 80, BJ Watling 37 not out; Anwar Ali 2-15, Junaid Ilyas 2-44) by 16 runs