3rd Test: Pakistan v New Zealand at Sharjah

Mohammad Hafeez missed the second Test of the series due to injury, went to England briefly to get his action tested, but he could have well been playing in Abu Dhabi where he had scored 96 and 101*. He started the day with a boundary through point and went on to complete his seventh Test century, making most of a pitch with no grass, no cracks and no signs of life. Hafeez's unbeaten 178 was also the highest anyone had scored in a Sharjah Test. The innings came at a good rate too, taking Pakistan to a dominant position after they had opted to bat.

Despite the unhelpful conditions, New Zealand had managed to pick up three wickets, including that of Younis Khan, in the first two sessions. But then Misbah-ul-Haq ensured the wobble was a minor one as he provided solid support to Hafeez in a century stand.

Hafeez grabbed centrestage but much of the attention at the start of the match had centred on the comeback of Daniel Vettori, who had been drafted into the XI at the last minute in New Zealand's bid to find a series-equalising victory. Vettori's previous Test outing was more than two years ago. This Test - his 112th for New Zealand - took him past Stephen Fleming as the most-capped New Zealand player.

Vettori led his team into the ground, knowing this could be his last Test and despite no first-class cricket in almost a year, started off with a maiden when called in within the first 10 overs. With no help from the pitch, Vettori was accurate in the three overs he bowled before lunch. The only time he lost his length, Hafeez carted him over midwicket for a six.

Play abandoned, match extended by a day