Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Ross Taylor became the first New Zealander to score three successive limited-overs centuries to take his side to 246-7 in the first one-day international against Pakistan on Monday.
Taylor, who scored back to back ODI centuries at home against India in January, held the innings together with an unbeaten 105 off 135 balls after Pakistan had reduced the Kiwis to 111-5 midway through the innings.
He made 58 runs with Daniel Vettori (27) and put the innings back on track with a 44-run partnership alongside Luke Ronchi.
Tall fast bowler Mohammad Irfan did the early damage by claiming two early wickets and then got rid of dangerman Ronchi to finish with 3-57.
However, New Zealand picked up the momentum and scored 78 runs in the last 10 overs.
