New Zealand have slumped to 174-8 at stumps on the penultimate day of their first Test against Pakistan, 306 runs behind their opponents in Abu Dhabi.

Having resumed the day on 15-0, the home side continued to build on the overnight lead in the morning session, but declared once Mohammed Hafeez had notched up a ton.

Azhar Ali and Younis Khan were both dismissed by Ish Sodhi, while Safraz Ahmad reached 13 not out before the declaration at 175-2, 479 runs ahead.

With the prospect of batting for over four full sessions to save the Test, Tom Latham and Brendon McCullum opened the innings for the visitors, quickly reaching the 50-run mark.

However, the openers were dismissed in quick succession, while Ross Taylor followed shortly after for just eight, reducing the team to 69-3.

Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson appeared to have steadied the ship, but the former was stumped for 23, leaving Rahat Ali to send both Jimmy Neesham and BJ Watling back to the pavilion for ducks.

Sodhi and Mark Craig put up some resistance in the final half-hour, both reaching 27 at the close of play to ensure that the teams will have to return tomorrow, when Pakistan will need just two wickets to seal the win.